An Annotated Anthology of Hymns [Paperback]

An Annotated Anthology of Hymnstreats the hymn as a literary form deserving of respect. 250 hymns from the English-speaking world are printed, covering the range from the earliest years of the Christian church to the present day, with notes on the words and the tunes. The anthology takes the hymn seriously, in an an age in which hymn-singing is less common than it was. It should appeal to hymn-lovers, but also to those who want to find out more about hymns.

The editor skillfully undertakes to set the text in context, identify sources, and gloss and explicate the hymns and their significance.... This is an authoritative and thoroughly enjoyable book. --Studies in English Literature 1500-1900