Matthew Barton collects excerpts from Steiner's many talks and writings on the festival of Whitsun ("White Sunday"). Known in America as Pentecost, the forty-ninth day following Easter Sunday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. The book also includes Steiner's discussions of the Ascension of Jesus Christ forty days after his Resurrection. Whitsun and Ascension: An Introductory Reader features Barton's editorial introduction, afterword, commentary, and notes.