Oakes (Oxford U., the UK) presents a comprehensive survey of the many roles of the Virgin Mary as these have been depicted in medieval art and sculpture. Discussing the theological sources and providing a wealth of visual examples for each, Oakes describes the Virgin as intercessor, as mediator, alongside devotees in prayer, as the Virgin of Mercy, Marian Psychostasis (where she's shown weighing down the scales of a soul to aid in its acceptance into heaven), as the empress of hell, and as misericordia. Examples and variants from different eras and places are included for each category. As is typical for this publisher, the plates are both frequent and of the best quality. This is a rich work, of interest to students and specialists of the Middle Ages and of medieval art history and its iconography. Distributed in North America by The David Brown Book Co. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)