" Mary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion is almost the only recent attempt at any¬thing like a comprehensive study of the development of the cult of the Virgin in late antiquity. [Shoemaker] brings together more than twenty years of studies . to argue for a new version of how Mary emerged in these early centuries as a focus for Christian devotion."--Rachel Fulton Brown, First Things "Shoemaker wears his formidable learning lightly and presents his material in a fresh, engaging manner that invites rather than intimidates . Shoemaker has given an excellent example of how to examine historical issues in antiquity afresh."--Sr. Maria del Fiat Miola, Ancient Jew Review "This work furthers the field and is a must-read for graduate students and professors interested in the cult of the Virgin Mary and the origins of piety and devotion to her."--Paul Brazinski, Reading Religion "Shoemaker's book is very learned, yet is readable and entertaining.

It deserves a wide readership and should be of interest to many outside the narrow field of Early Christian Studies."--Carole M. Cusack, Religion "This original book will inform the narrative of the development of Marian devotion for generations to come."--Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, Anglican and Episcopal History "Well-documented and scholarly . [Shoemaker] traces the complex historical process that saw the Mary of the Bible become the Mary of manifold devotions in the first five centuries of the Christian era . Fascinating."--Leonardo De Chirico, Credo Magazine.