The English Hymn A Critical and Historical Study [Paperback]

Why do people sing hymns? Are hymns poetry? What makes a good hymn? The author discusses the nature of hymns and their particular appeal, examines the English hymn as a literary form, and systematically describes its development through four centuries, from the Reformation to the mid-twentieth century.

In this excellent book, Watson successfully makes the case for a form frequently denied true poetic status....Here is much learning, common sense, and sensitivity--and frequent glimpses of sly wit. --Choice