The English Hymn: A Critical and Historical Study

by John Reay 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.

Genres: Music

564 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 1997

About the author

Aka J.R. Watson

• born at Tinonee, N.S.W., 23rd May, 1872; of Scottish parentage
• unmarried
• short stories published in The Bulletin
• NOVELS: In a Man's Mind, London, 1896; An Earthly Fulfilment, London, 1899.
• An Earthly Fulfilment by 'J. R. Watson' highlighted by Wigg & Son 'Newest and Best Fiction of the Month' in The West Australian through August 1899
• described in 1900 by A. W. Jose, Angus & Robertson's Reader, as too 'sexual' for a 'respectable English paper'

Reviews

[Molly Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I'm qualified to accurately review this book, but I enjoyed the focused study on the English hymns. It's a dense book and at times it's hard to see the forest for the trees. I enjoyed the backgrounds of some of the hymnwriters and the movements within hymnody. Occasionally the author seemed to come to conclusions that I found arguable, but not very frequently.

[Vaclav · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed and long book on the history and value of hymns as poetry. It deals extensively with the singing of Psalms in meter, Isaac Watts' hymns who took Psalms and other parts of Scripture and wrote hymns/poetry in a Christocentric way, as well as John & Charles Wesley's hymns. Some other hymn writers included are Martin Luther, John Newton, William Cowper, Horatius Bonar, Havergal... The author of the book quotes Christopher Driver and says that hymns are "a poetic response to experience". The experiences of believers are various, some are delightful and some painful, and some in between. We have Jeremiahs lamenting, we have Jobs and Davids lamenting and praising, and we have Solomons and Pauls praising. All the godly feelings of believers through the centuries find their expression in the great multitude of hymns we have inherited.