| Contents |
Preface -- 'Praise, my soul, the king of heaven': the genesis of Victorian hymnody -- 'The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir': musical and cultural influences -- 'There is a book, who runs may read': the making of Victorian hymn-books -- 'For all the saints who from their labours rest': Victorian hymn-writers -- 'Tell me the old, old story': themes in Victorian hymns -- 'Sweet and low': Victorian hymn tunes and their composers -- 'Hold the fort for I am coming': American imports and gospel songs -- 'Lead, kindly light': how the Victorians viewed hymns -- 'Abide with me': Victorian hymns in the twentieth century -- Appendix I: 100 Victorian hymns that should be in any self-respecting modern hymnal -- Appendix II: Victorian hymns and tunes that deserve rehabilitation -- Appendix III: The top fifteen Victorian hymn tune composers. |
| Abstract |
Examines the development of hymn-singing from a primarily private devotional practice in 1837 to a mainstay of public worship and, more remarkably, a component of popular culture by 1900. How did hymns manage, without help from recordings, radio or television, to permeate all levels of British society within one lifetime? Why were new hymns eagerly welcomed by members of all denominations and even by non-churchgoers? The author discusses the Victorian hymn from literary, theological, and cultural perspectives. In addition to tracing the importance of Victorian hymns in nineteenth-century novels and culture, the author investigates their significance in churches, their public popularity, and as forms of parody and as literary references. The book also speculates upon the political and sociological implications of Victorian hymnody. |
| General note | Originally published: London : SCM Press, 1997. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 275-279) and indexes. |
| LCCN | 97036372 |
| ISBN | 157999010X |
| ISBN | 9781579990107 |
