This work investigates the historical, theological, and cultural evolution of the Virgin Mary from a first-century Jewish woman to a global religious icon. Mary Joan Winn Leith, a scholar of religious studies, examines the transformation of Mary through the lens of canonical texts, apocryphal writings, and centuries of artistic and devotional tradition. The book argues that the figure of Mary serves as a dynamic mirror for the changing needs and anxieties of the societies that venerate her.

Scholars and readers frequently note the accessibility of the prose despite the complex theological and historical subject matter. Experts highlight this as a balanced overview that effectively bridges the gap between academic research and general interest in religious history.