Fr. Rene Laurentin, a renowned scholar of Catholic Mariology, offers a veritable encyclopedia of information on the Catholic Church's beliefs regarding Mary, the Mother of God.

The beautifully written book contains three sections: the first is a brilliant synopsis of the history of Marian Docrine from the authors of the New Testament to the Second Vatican Council. This history reads like a novel and is clear and straigtforward in its presentation.

The second section looks at the life of Mary in her relationship to Christ. Topics covered are: the Immaculate Conception, the Perpetual Virginity of Mary, her life of faith, her union with Christ throughout his entire life and, in particular, her union with Him in His suffering on Calvary, her bodily assumption into heaven and her heavenly intercession. Perhaps the richest segment of this section is Fr. Laurentin's treatment of the Divine Motherhood of Mary.

The third and final section is a collection of ten or more appendices which contain a wealth of information on controverted Marian questions, such as the Marian texts of the Old Testament, the meaning of Mary's desire for virginity before the annunciation event, the meaning of her 'perpetual virginity' and the deep significance of the Greek title, THEOTOKOS, that is, Mother of God.

Anyone who is searching for a faithful and scholarly treatment of Catholic Mariology will find a veritable feast in Fr. Laurentin's Short Treatise on the Virgin Mary.

I bought this book as a general reference on Fatima while doing some personal research, and found it to be wholely unsuited to my purposes.

As an introduction, the book lacks the necessary structure to introduce those unfamiliar with basic the basic details of Fatima. Rather, it is an argumentative text that strikes me in the same manner as the publications of the Marian Movement of Priests.

I skipped a good deal of this book due to general frustration with the rambling approach and the extension of scope beyond Fatima and into generalized Marian apparitions.

That this book lacks Nihil obstat and Imprimatur is telling, although the author notes the Vatican ruling that these are not required. The author's assertion of unconditional submission is heartening, however. Yet the Foreword is vey defensive in tone, and this defensiveness seems to permeate the work to follow. Perhaps Dr. Petrisko has suffered supression and criticism to justify this generalized tone, but it comes across as something of a persecution complex.

Overall, I would recommend a more sober review of Fatima, and a separate review of Medjugorje and Marian apparitions before approaching this work.

Warning to true Catholics: This book promotes Medjugorje. The Medjugorje apparition is not approved by the Church and has been denounced by some of the highest members of the Church, including Father Malachi Martin, Father Fiore, Cardinal Ratzinger, and many others. "I don't know what's coming out of Medjugorje, but its definitely NOT Our Lady." -- Father John O'Conner. Medjugorje is deceptively promoting socialism (the dangerous political system of Karl Marx that has killed more people than any other in recorded history, by far.) This book is entirely too flattering to Medjugorje, and it doesn't bother to refute the seemingly endless amount of anti-Catholic "messages" coming from the apparition. For those who know their Catechism, this book will probably repulse you. For those who are lost, this book will lead you further down the garden path.

I cannot agree with the first reviewer. This book is well written and is primarily focused on the APPROVED apparition of Fatima and links events, etc.. into a very interesting process of thought. The Medjugore ref is not the main line here, and by the way, I can't agree with the reviewers ideas about the message of Medjugore and no-matter - if you read the messages given in concern to Medjugore - they are about prayer, turning away from sin - I have never read about it being disapproved by Ratzinger and others listed. In fact from what I have read, the Pope has seemed to be favorable about it. I trust John Paul II. I also must add that even if you don't know how you feel about Medjugore - there are also focuses on Akita,etc.. basically the major apparitions that have been reported. Please do consider reading this book - it is very interesting with it's heart centered on Fatima which is approved. Read and decide for yourself, ask God to help you discern about this book in prayer. God Bless!