“For those with a devotion to Mary, Beauty Will Save the World is a treasure”
Book Review: Beauty Will Save the World by Stephen Ryan
Stephen Ryan’s Beauty Will Save the World is a captivating and visually stunning tribute to the Virgin Mary, blending art, devotion, and spiritual reflection into a work that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Known for his work with Mystic Post and his popular YouTube channel Mystic Post TV, Ryan brings his passion for Marian devotion to the page, offering readers a unique experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of a book. Published independently in December 2023, this 100-page volume is as much a gallery of breathtaking digital art as it is a meditative journey, making it a standout contribution to contemporary Marian literature.
The heart of the book lies in its imagery—digitally crafted depictions of the Virgin Mary that Ryan has created with an eye for both ethereal beauty and emotional resonance. From the radiant visions of Fatima to the tender simplicity of a village church Madonna, each image captures a facet of Mary’s enduring presence in Christian spirituality. These are not mere illustrations; they are windows into moments of divine encounter, rendered with a luminous quality that invites contemplation. Ryan’s artistic talent shines through, transforming the book into a visual pilgrimage that stirs the soul as much as it delights the eye.
Complementing the artwork are Ryan’s reflections, which weave together stories of saints, visionaries, and ordinary believers touched by Mary’s grace. His prose is warm and accessible, marked by a descriptive flair that draws readers into a space of quiet devotion. While the book doesn’t aim for theological complexity, its simplicity is its strength—Ryan’s focus is on the transformative power of beauty, a theme inspired by Dostoevsky’s famous phrase that gives the book its title. He argues, subtly yet persuasively, that Mary’s beauty—both physical and spiritual—offers a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by chaos.
The structure of the book is loose but intentional, allowing readers to dip in and out as they please. It’s less a linear narrative and more a collection of vignettes, each tied to a specific image or Marian apparition. Highlights include reflections on La Salette and Lourdes, where Ryan’s reverence for these sacred events shines through. The inclusion of prayers attributed to Mary adds a practical dimension, encouraging readers to engage with the text on a spiritual level.
For those with a devotion to Mary, Beauty Will Save the World is a treasure. Its breathtaking pictures—praised by readers and reviewers alike—elevate it beyond a typical devotional book, making it a keepsake to return to time and again. Even for those less familiar with Marian spirituality, the book offers a compelling case for beauty as a force for renewal, a message that resonates universally. Critics might note that the text occasionally leans on sentiment over depth, but this feels intentional—Ryan’s goal is to inspire, not to dissect.
In a cultural moment where practicality often overshadows wonder, Ryan’s work is a refreshing reminder of art’s capacity to uplift and heal. Beauty Will Save the World isn’t just a book—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and find solace in the radiant figure of Mary. Whether as a gift or a personal indulgence, it’s a beautiful addition to any collection, proving that sometimes, indeed, beauty can save the world.
