This excellent little book is a new look at a very old prayer, the Hail Mary, the first words of which were uttered more than two thousand years ago. The prayer is considered in its three distinct parts. First of all there is the “angelic salutation”, when Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of God. This is followed by the words of her cousin, Elizabeth, which restates the central theme of the prayer, the incarnation of Jesus in Mary’s womb. Finally there is the request for Mary’s intercession on behalf of weak humanity. Father Murray emphasizes the comfort and encouragement that may be derived from her powerful advocacy as mother of God. This, together with many reflections on the subject by poets, saints and scholars, helps us to consider afresh this very familiar prayer with the love and respect it merits.