The Daily Telegraph Book of Hymns - by Ian Bradley (Paperback)

About the Book

Contains texts of 150 of the best-loved hymns in the English language, from the time of the Early Church to the late 20th century. Each text in this work is accompanied by a commentary, giving biographical details of the author; notes on the circumstances in which the hymn was written and how it has been used; and variant versions.

Book Synopsis

Here are the full original texts of 150 of the best loved hymns in the English language, from the time of the Early Church to the 20th century. Each is acompanied by a fascinatintg commentary, giving biographical details of the aurthgor, such as the Calvinist creator of Rocvk oif Ages who once calculated that the average human sins 2,522,880,000 times; notes on the circumstances in which the hymn was written; and variant versions including the First World War infantry adaptation of The Church's One Foundation. 150 hymns each prefaced by an urbanely written and agreeably subjective commentary with a wealth of anecdote and a few ribald parodies. This charming book shlould also bve reqwuirted reading for all responsible for choosing hymns in church, and recopmmended bedside reading for the eight million viewers of Songs of Praise. Ian Bradley writes with wit elegance and charm and is quite exceptionally knowledgeable about his subject. Bradley has enjoyed sining hymns for as long as he can remember . he attributes the orogin of this enthuisaiasm yto the happy combincvation of having a father who loved Salvation Army choruses and many year exposure to public school chapel worship.ong his other ewnthusiasm are spas, instituations of most kinds and all things Victorian.

Review Quotes

'...there is a great deal for hymn-lovers to enjoy.'--Sanford Lakoff "The American Spectator "

'Readers with any interest in the backgrounds of the hymns we sing will revel in this fascinating compilation of musical tales....Bradley's erudition is extensive, but he writes with a light, frequently breezy, yet respectful style that makes browsing his 150 rather an addictive pleasure...Bradley's enjoyable dictionary is certainly worthy of all academic libraries and parish libraries supporting an active music ministry.' --Sanford Lakoff "Catholic Library World "

'this is [a] most welcome development, especially at a time when the media generally seem to focus on the negative aspects of religion and church music....This would be ideal as a first book for those interested in hymnody or those wishing to write notes for Sunday service sheets.' Julian Elloway, Church Music Quarterly Reviews

"Webber gives concise information on how the services of morning and evening prayer began, were established and became the services we know today. He describes the background and history of uses of the Scriptural lessons, prayers, hymns, canticles and the collects and their sources. His comments and suggestions are well-written, informative and helpful." -Faithworks, May 2006" "

About the Author

Ian Bradley is Reader in Practical Theology and Church History at the University of St Andrews, a minister in the Church of Scotland and a prolific author &broadcaster.