"A selection of Cole's award-winning poetry and translations together with new poems"--

Here are the full original texts of 150 of the best loved hymns in the English language. Each is accompanied by a fascinating commentary, giving biographical details of the author (such as the Calvinist creator of Rock of 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. Each hymn is prefaced by an urbanely written and agreeably subjective commentary with a wealth of anecdotes and a few ribald parodies. This charming book should also be required reading for all those responsible for choosing hymns in church. Ian Bradley writes with wit, elegance and charm and is quite exceptionally knowledgeable about his subject.

A collection of the author's favorite hymns and prayers.

Many new hymns as well as old favorites are included in this collection of 658 hymns. The hymns represent a variety of music styles that reflect the diversity of the Mennonite and Brethren denominations. An additional 202 worship resources offer responsive readings and prayers for many occasions. Round notes.