The English Hymn by J R Watson
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.
.. the intellectual hymnist's vade mecum ... a massive, solid read ... fascinating detail. * Home Words (the nationwide church magazine supplement) *
After a read through The English Hymn it would be hard to imagine a stronger case for the hymn. * Methodist Recorder *
For a definition of the hymn and the state of the art of hymn-writing one need look no further than Professor Watson's magisterial book The English Hymn: A Critical and Historical Study. * Methodist Recorder *
A book which gives so much enlightenment and pleasure ... It more than fulfils its author's aim of rescuing hymns from their second-rate image in the eyes of the literary establishment, and demonstrates their subtlety and imaginative power. * Church Times *
... 'must' for the library of any university or college which teaches either hymnology or English literature to degree level. It should also give great pleasure and enlightenment to the serious general reader. * The Hymn Society *
J.R.Watson, who reports towards the end of this meticulous and monumental book that there were some 40,000 hymns in existence in English by the end of the nineteenth century ... deserves our gratitude for having read a good many of them in preparing it ... Scattered throughout The English Hymn there are valuable and memorable passages, the fruits of Watson's long attention to his subject and of his intricate familiarity with it. * Times Literary Supplement *
The problem with attempting to discuss a book as rich as Professor Watson's is that it is the illustrations which bring it to life, but space prevents lavish quotation. Two features distinguish this illuminating study: the analysis of the language and the exposition of the structure of the hymns ... superb book. * The Expository Times, *
After a read through The English Hymn it would be hard to imagine a stronger case for the hymn. * Methodist Recorder *
For a definition of the hymn and the state of the art of hymn-writing one need look no further than Professor Watson's magisterial book The English Hymn: A Critical and Historical Study. * Methodist Recorder *
A book which gives so much enlightenment and pleasure ... It more than fulfils its author's aim of rescuing hymns from their second-rate image in the eyes of the literary establishment, and demonstrates their subtlety and imaginative power. * Church Times *
... 'must' for the library of any university or college which teaches either hymnology or English literature to degree level. It should also give great pleasure and enlightenment to the serious general reader. * The Hymn Society *
J.R.Watson, who reports towards the end of this meticulous and monumental book that there were some 40,000 hymns in existence in English by the end of the nineteenth century ... deserves our gratitude for having read a good many of them in preparing it ... Scattered throughout The English Hymn there are valuable and memorable passages, the fruits of Watson's long attention to his subject and of his intricate familiarity with it. * Times Literary Supplement *
The problem with attempting to discuss a book as rich as Professor Watson's is that it is the illustrations which bring it to life, but space prevents lavish quotation. Two features distinguish this illuminating study: the analysis of the language and the exposition of the structure of the hymns ... superb book. * The Expository Times, *
J R WATSON, is Professor of English in the University of Durham. His publications include Wordsworth's Vital Soul (1982), English Poetry of the Romantic Period (1985) and the Casebook on Browning's 'Men and Women' and Other Poems.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780198270027 |
| ISBN 10 | 019827002X |
| Title | The English Hymn |
| Author | J R Watson |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Year published | 1999-08-12 |
| Number of pages | 564 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |