Ross provides a broad survey of pictures and texts concerning saints, from the Early Christian through the late Gothic period. Both Western and Byzantine material is included. Beginning with the earliest pictures of and stories about saints, the book traces the evolution of hagiographic imagery primarily in manuscript contexts. Because of its cross-disciplinary nature, it will be of interest to audiences interested in Early Christian, Byzantine, and Western medieval culture: religion, society, politics, and art. No other book to date is organized similarly in providing detailed descriptions for the identification of medieval manuscripts with hagiographic texts and illustrations.

Designed as a quick-reference source to the topics, symbols, themes, and stories most frequently found in early Christian, western medieval, and Byzantine art, this work describes topics that include names and narratives drawn from the Bible and apocrypha, the lives of saints, and numerous other textual sources. Authors whose works were frequently illustrated or who were influential on the visual arts are treated, as are selected art historical terms and events of significance for the arts. Cross-references alert readers to alternate titles and related topics, and the majority of entries cite a pictorial example. These are keyed to standard texts for easy viewing access. The dictionary begins with Aaron and ends with Zoomorphic Decoration. This dictionary focuses on the medieval period and the distinctive ways in which the subjects and symbols referenced in the work evolved and developed during the Middle Ages, resulting in a unique overview of the evolution, development, popularity, and transformations that took place in medieval artistic iconography. The introduction provides chronological, thematic, and bibliographic surveys to supplement the 500 individual entries; the bibliography directs the readers to more detailed studies. The work also includes names and topics not always found in art reference sources, for example, authors whose works were frequently illustrated, or who were influential on the visual arts, and historical events of significance for the arts.

In the first volume of the Artists of an Era series, Leslie Ross examines the identities of artists attributed to the most famous and influential works of medieval art. These works are much discussed within the realm of art history, yet the identities of medieval artists fall victim to incomplete historical records and often remain enigmatic. In ten narrative chapters, Ross examines this significant area of the art world (including architecture, iconography, metalwork, scribework, sculpture--even medieval art instruction) and summarizes the lives and work of that genre's leading artist or artists. Students will learn not only what is factually known of an artist's life (as well as what is purely speculative), but also the processes used to gather the information and fuel speculation. Readers will also gain unique insights into the practices and traditions of medieval art and the role it played within medieval society. A timeline, chapter bibliographies, a list of further resources on medieval art, and an index offer additional tools to students of medieval art and art history.