The last two decades have seen a bourgeoning interest in icons in the west, as much outside the Orthodox Church as inside it. Icons are being commissioned by Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals and churches, as well as by individuals of many demoniations. This very broad interest in icons and the attraction of the Orthodox spirituality behind the icon has greatly increased the number of people who want to learn about the art of iconography. Gloriously illustrated in colour and with a foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales.

"I know of no comparable work in the English language that deals with the technique of icon painting in such a thorough and comprehensive manner. Yet, while concerned with technique, the treatment is never merely technical. At every point we see how technique reveals a transfigured world. Spirituality and technology are combined together, so that each illuminates the other." From the Preface by Kallistos Ware, Metropolitan of Diokleia



"The wealth of information in this book makes it an indispensable reference not only for iconographers but also for any painter using egg tempera, fresco or secco. It covers all the necessary processes, including the making and gessoing of wooden panels, gilding, preparing pigments, the various techniques for painting in tempera, as well as lime plastering and fresco, right through to photographing finished artwork." 
From the Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales



"This book makes known to us a craft, but more importantly it is the Confessio of a man who epitomizes the liturgical beauty of the Orthodox Church. He is full of joy and this same joy he communicates to us: with his heart he loves, and with his hands he fashions matter. He uses pencil, brush, chisel. He carves wood and stone, works with metal. He fashions form and colour. He manifests the Spirit. And he confesses that 'The Word became flesh'. Thus you see not only how a holy icon is made within the Church, but also how the human person made as an icon of God struggles to become holy."
 Archimandrite Vasileios, Iviron Monastery, Mount Athos, Greece

"Aidan Hart combines the vision of the contemplative with the skill of a gifted artist. For those many people for whom Icons are a door into the divine there cannot be a better guide." 
Dr. Richard Chartres, Bishop of London

"An icon is visual theology, the Word of God. It can only be written in truth by one who seeks and loves this holy Word. Aidan Hart understands this to the depth." 
Sister Wendy Beckett, contemplative nun and author on art