An innovative Reader in Ritual Studies which focuses on the Christian Liturgy as an example of ritual studies, this book covers the context of ritual, classical views of ritual, defining ritual, the field of ritual, the Method, including Participant observations, and Case studies. Many of the great names such as Mary Douglas, Romano Guardini, Ronald L. Grimes Margaret Mary Kelleher, Nathan D Mitchelland Catherine Bell are made conveniently accessible here, together with a wide range of up to date work in this growing area.