This sumptuous tome from German publisher h.f. Ullmann is written by a team of authors. As the extensive subtitle suggests, the ample scale is justified. Such volumes are only viable with huge print runs, printed in China. Sales in Australia may have been given a boost by the publicity surrounding our homegrown addition to the sainthood.

Many will use this book for armchair or future travel and to enjoy the ecclesiastical marvels presented therein. In addition to exteriors and interiors of churches, numerous images of their key treasures – paintings, sculptures, and objects – are included. For the pictures alone, this book is worth acquiring. As might be expected in such a big production, with translated texts by multiple authors, the English text is sometimes awkward. The church titles are given only in English, which can be confusing, since English church enthusiasts usually have to know their Italian, French, or German names in order to locate them. Whatever these minor concerns, Ars Sacra will be justly bought and enjoyed for its wealth of images.