"This book of meditations on the torment of Jesus, first published in 1833, was one of the inspirations for Mel Gibson¿s controversial film The Passion of the Christ. German Roman Catholic saint and mystic ANNE CATHERINE EMMERICH (1774¿1824) had powerful and detailed visions of the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus, during which she suffered the stigmata. Related as if by an observer on the scene, this compelling retelling of the last days of Jesus¿from the preparations for the Last Supper through Jesus¿ temptation the Garden of Gethsemani and his confrontation with Pilate to his execution and resurrection¿this is a unique perspective on a story that continues to resonate through Western culture today, and is essential reading for Christians seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, as well as for readers of modern religious mythology."