The image of Edessa

The icon known as the Image of Edessa (and later the Mandylion) is attributed to the times of Christ, although its existence before the sixth century is a matter for debate. It was taken from Edessa to Constantinople in the mid-tenth century and all traces of the icon are lost after the sack of Constantinople in 1204. The Image has never had its own biography containing all the known texts and information about this fascinating object. This book provides critical editions with previously unpublished versions of all related texts, translations of all texts into English and a detailed analysis of the origins, known history, possible fate and exact nature of the Image of Edessa.