What is an angel? Anyone who has ever wondered about the nature of these seraphic beings will find all the answers in this comprehensive dictionary. With 2,000 easy-to-access and cross-referenced entries, all the archangels, cherubim and seraphim are here—from Michael and Satan to the Kaballa’s Sandalphon, from ancient Persia’s Alkanosts to Islam’s Israfil. There’s also coverage of angels in folklore, literary and spiritual writings, and television and film. See how an angel like Gabriel can appear in diverse guises in different religions. Discover which ones fell from heaven with Lucifer. Find out about the supposed physical appearance of each angel, its function, and its place in the hierarchy. A must-have for those interested in how religious ideas develop over time.