Rich with historical information on multiple fronts of inquiry and eye-opening personal insights into some of the most sublime works of art of the Western civilization, the elegantly and engagingly written Sacred Muse is a sheer delight to read and contemplate. Despite its diminutive size, it deserves a place of honor alongside Sir Kenneth Clark’s Civilisation.
— Franco Mormando, Boston College, author of Bernini: His Life and His Rome
Bringing together personal devotion and professional acumen, this slim book is unique on several levels. A true believer speaks with an objective voice on the importance of Christian visual art and music as they alternate in preeminence from the Early Renaissance to the present day. A practicing art historian, Scribner presents deep analyses of splendid works of art succinctly (with original contributions), while articulating their intensely felt sacred, often liturgical content. His analysis of sacral musical masterpieces, plus his own essential estimations, is a parallel gift. Scribner’s muse brings religious faith and aesthetic knowledge into an edifying unison.
— Marilyn Aronberg Lavin, art historian
In this beautifully faceted gem of a book, Dr. Scribner illuminates the animating questions of the Sacred that informed and shaped enduring works of Western culture by Michelangelo, Bernini, Rubens, Hadyn, and many others. Astonished by the wonder and mystery of Creation, painters, sculptors, and composers themselves created forms of the Divine. In Sacred Muse, readers share in their company through the discerning eyes and ears of Charles Scribner III, who, with his elegant and lucid writing, generously places them within our mortal grasp. This book is a joy to read.
— William R. Handley, University of Southern California
“Charlie finds God in every corner of the world, whether it be in art, literature, or music, and this is so inspirational. . . From now on I will think of the works of great masters in a new light. A light which has been so beautifully pointed out by Charlie.”
— Frederica von Stade, American opera singer