Facts, legends, customs, and superstitions related to Christianity's most prominent symbol appear in this unique book. It begins centuries before the Christian era, when crosses were pagan emblems, and traces their association with notable events and people. In simple, direct language, the author describes the cross's many forms and uses. 27 black-and-white illustrations.

This manuscript was found (said Wallace in his Introduction, which was fiction of a cloth with the novel to follow) among a heap of old dispatches from the Viceroy Mendoza to the Emperor. It must have been to give him a more complete idea of the Aztecan people and their civilization, or to lighten the burdens of royalty by an amusement to which, it is known, Charles V. was not averse. Besides, Mendoza, in his difficulty with the Marquess of the Valley (Cortes), failed not to avail himself of every means likely to propitiate his cause with the court, and especially with the Royal Council of the Indies. It is not altogether improbable, therefore, that the manuscript was forwarded for the entertainment of the members of the Council and the lordly personages of the Court. ... everything relative to the New World, and particularly the dazzling conquest of Mexico.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1869.