An interesting and informative 44 page booklet outlining the story behind the publication of the original words edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861, subsequent editions to the present day, and the many eminent clergymen and musicians involved; the controversies and the criticisms. The changes in culture, understanding and the increase in Eucharistic sung services are reflected in the choice of hymns for inclusion through the years. Editors while always trying to improve the quality of words and music, have sometimes had to bow to popular demand for particularly loved hymns to remain, while new hymns are introduced and what has been described as ‘dead wood’ has been cut away. Trevor Beeson also writes about hymns and hymn writers from the earliest days, the development of choirs and hymn singing, and short biographies of composers from Isaac Watts 1674-1748 to the 1980s. Bp Stephen Platen concludes the booklet with a chapter outlining the revolution in hymn collections, the publications by Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd. a registered charity, and the gathering together of other publishers under one banner and then wonders ‘What innovations will A&M be celebrating on its bicentenary?

An interesting and informative 44 page booklet outlining the story behind the publication of the original words edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861, subsequent editions to the present day, and the many eminent clergymen and musicians involved; the controversies and the criticisms. The changes in culture, understanding and the increase in Eucharistic sung services are reflected in the choice of hymns for inclusion through the years. Editors while always trying to improve the quality of words and music, have sometimes had to bow to popular demand for particularly loved hymns to remain, while new hymns are introduced and what has been described as ‘dead wood’ has been cut away. Trevor Beeson also writes about hymns and hymn writers from the earliest days, the development of choirs and hymn singing, and short biographies of composers from Isaac Watts 1674-1748 to the 1980s. Bp Stephen Platen concludes the booklet with a chapter outlining the revolution in hymn collections, the publications by Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd. a registered charity, and the gathering together of other publishers under one banner and then wonders ‘What innovations will A&M be celebrating on its bicentenary?

An interesting and informative 44 page booklet outlining the story behind the publication of the original words edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861, subsequent editions to the present day, and the many eminent clergymen and musicians involved; the controversies and the criticisms. The changes in culture, understanding and the increase in Eucharistic sung services are reflected in the choice of hymns for inclusion through the years. Editors while always trying to improve the quality of words and music, have sometimes had to bow to popular demand for particularly loved hymns to remain, while new hymns are introduced and what has been described as ‘dead wood’ has been cut away. Trevor Beeson also writes about hymns and hymn writers from the earliest days, the development of choirs and hymn singing, and short biographies of composers from Isaac Watts 1674-1748 to the 1980s. Bp Stephen Platen concludes the booklet with a chapter outlining the revolution in hymn collections, the publications by Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd. a registered charity, and the gathering together of other publishers under one banner and then wonders ‘What innovations will A&M be celebrating on its bicentenary?