Monthly column on hymns and songs

Christopher Idle  |  Features
Date posted:  1 Sep 2001
Share Add       

Of all the questions winging their way to me as a result of this column, the most frequent is: 'Where can I find out more about these hymns?'

It depends on which hymns you mean, which book you use, what kind of information you're after. But here are some sources I have found helpful, in five groups.

Group 1 comprises two items, one of which isn't a book at all. John Julian's Dictionary of Hymnology is the Britannica of hymns and hymnwriters, appearing in 1892; second edition with New Supplement, 1907. Many contributors were authors in their own right. Most were clergy; among those who were not is Catherine Winkworth. Look in secondhand lists; I paid £25 some years ago and would double that now. An inexhaustible gold mine. One snag; you may want to know about hymns written since 1907.

Share
< Previous article| Features| Next article >
Read more articles by Christopher Idle >>
Features
50 years ago: 4 Christmases, 2 bishops, 1 gospel

50 years ago: 4 Christmases, 2 bishops, 1 gospel

Christopher Idle reflects on two memorable Christmas Carol Services where two bishops shared their story of coming to Christ. When …

Reviews
No space for silence?

No space for silence?

The author’s name should ensure a wide readership. Added to that, it’s highly readable. What more could you want?

Give a subscription

🎁 Get 20% off a subscription for a friend this Christmas!

Tell me more

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access

Find out more