Oxford University Press The English Hymn: Critical and Historical Study - Oxford

Explore the profound cultural and literary significance of English hymns through this comprehensive critical and historical examination from Oxford University Press. This scholarly work traces the development of the hymn form from the Reformation to the present day, moving beyond typical analyses that focus solely on liturgical function and worship content. The author investigates why hymns have held such deep emotional resonance for readers and listeners across centuries, examining the very essence of what makes the hymn form endure in English culture and literature. Drawing on historical context and textual analysis, the book offers fresh insights into how these seemingly banal verses became woven into the consciousness of generations, from religious communities to celebrated writers like D.H. Lawrence who acknowledged their profound influence on his own literary sensibility. Essential reading for scholars of music history, literature, religious studies, and anyone interested in understanding the artistic and cultural roots of English hymnody.