A Treasury of Thanksgiving: Illustrated Poetry, Prose, and Praise

by Leland Ryken

"Thanksgiving is a yearlong Christian practice. In this lavishly illustrated anthology, Ryken presents forty great thanksgiving texts-Scripture, hymns, and prose-with helpful commentary and devotional remarks"--

Genres: Poetry, Devotional

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2023

About the author

Dr. Ryken has served on the faculty of Wheaton College since 1968. He has published over thirty books and more than one hundred articles and essays, devoting much of his scholarship to Bible translations and the study of the Bible as literature. He served as Literary Chairman for the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible and in 2003 received the distinguished Gutenberg Award for his contributions to education, writing, and the understanding of the Bible.

He is the father of Philip Graham Ryken

Reviews

[Sydney Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book during the Thanksgiving season as it is my favorite holiday. The book is great to rightly orient our hearts to worship the Lord and not stress over cultural expectations.

[Peter Mahaffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enriching!

[Alicia Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the type of book you read all at once. It is to be savored thrown in the mix of quiet time and the time in between. This treasury is lovely and fit for year around contemplation.

[Alyssa Bohon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally lovely and nourishing - I savored it through November before Thanksgiving into December, and while I was savoring the meaningful readings, I found that I was being convicted, too. I had not realized how much ingratitude I had let seep through the chinks of my life, thinking that I was living as a humble, grateful person, but actually drifting from it in many small ways. God used this book, among other things, to renew my sense of gratitude and my duty in it.

The art and layout is all tasteful and carefully selected. It's not just a dry compilation of public domain texts. Ryken's reflections are well worth slow reading. ...When one thinks of all the shiny well-bound books in public libraries with almost no worthwhile content inside, while gorgeous books of poetry and art like this are in paperback - well, it's one of the sad discrepancies of life in this world. I'm a little sad it's not in hardcover, but I'm still thankful for it. 😉

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you help your heart give thanks? A Treasury of Thanksgiving is the perfect book to help you have a grateful heart. With Christmas around the corner, we tend to hurry past the Thanksgiving holiday. In reality, giving thanks is a yearlong Christian practice — and this book will be an excellent companion in showing gratitude to God.


Feast and Blessing

Ryken presents 40 works of poetry, prose, and praise. Paired alongside gorgeous artwork, this book will uplift your mind and heart in adoration. Ryken offers his own explanations and insights — explications — for each text. He is winsome and wise, writing with warmth. This book is a compelling work of art that will be an annual feast and a year-round blessing.


I received a media copy of A Treasury of Thanksgiving and this is my honest review.

[Sydney Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this was an absolutely beautiful experience. Ryken has curated a fantastic collection of writings, connecting them together in a meaningful manner, and providing a short, helpful analysis for each. And the best part is he points the reader to God (and Scripture) every step of the way. The addition of timeless art adorning most of the pages completes the package.

I'm glad I took my time in this book and highly recommend you doing the same. Meditate and reflect on the Truth it holds. Allow the words of Christians from history to inspire, encourage, and mature your thoughts and attitudes. And may we all maintain a better mindset of gratitude to our good, loving Father who deserves all the praise!

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning devotional anthology that weaves together poetry, prose, art, and scripture around a single unifying theme. Each devotional reading is paired with an explication, or commentary that offers a blend of spiritual insight and literary analysis, allowing for an experience that engages both the heart and mind.

This devotional reminds us that thanksgiving is a heart posture for every day of the year, a way of life that is quick to express gratitude to the Giver of All Gifts.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Logan Maloney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - didn’t like this one as much as the nature one. This may sound bad but I was wanting more poetry and writing instead of Scripture which I think the nature treasury did better. I liked being able to see these themes written about throughout history. I also didn’t like the write ups after each entry as much this time around. This all sounds like I hated it but I didn’t! I really did enjoy some entries and it helped me slow down and be thankful in this season.

[Paige Redwine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading from this book each day of November enabled me to practice gratitude more readily. This is a lovely compilation of poems, hymns, letters and sermons. All the full color illustrations are pieces of art. I highly recommend this book for Thanksgiving.

[Elizabeth Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book! I read this book in a book study and thoroughly enjoyed it. It has lovely illustrations and beautiful prose, hymns, and poetry. It was perfect to read at Thanksgiving, but truly could and should be read throughout the year to remind us to be grateful for God’s blessings and grace.

[Doug Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is aptly named. Itself is a treasure, both pleasing to the eye and mind. The Christian heart will be convicted, challenged, and comforted by all we have to give thanks for.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great anthology

[Evan Magelssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent on so many levels