"Be Still My Soul" by Randy Peterson is a beautiful treasury of 175 best loved hymns and the stories behind the hymns. Plus individual biographies of 12 hymn writers such as the Wesley brothers, Fanny Crosby and Isaac Watts.
I found this volume a real pleasure to read. As a lover of history and the beautiful hymns of our Christian heritage I can honestly say this is a book I would read over and over again throughout the years to come. The stories behind each and every song were such a blessing to read. I enjoyed how the author wove together the history behind how the hymns were inspired, and how they impacted believers in the years to follow. For example "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" written by Helen Lemmel was inspired by a quote Lemmel had read by Lilias Trotter. Though little is know about Katharina von Schlegel, the writer of the hymn "Be Still My Soul", this book explores how the hymn impacted the life of Eric Liddell, the famous missionary and athlete. There are so many touching stories within the pages of this book, it was very hard to put down.
I also found the quality of the book itself to be worth mentioning. The cover art and rough cut pages were a real treat! Plus each hymn is presented on the left hand page with the story behind the hymn on the corresponding right hand page.
Overall I would highly recommend this book. It is a real treasure. Well written and researched.
"Let me exhort you to "sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as you praise the LORD with all your heart" (Ephesians 5:19). Keep hymns and spiritual songs by your bedside with your Bible and carry them with you to read. They will enrich your faith, invigorate your hope, and keep warm and tender your love." Samuel Logan Brengle
You can find more information about "Be Still My Soul" HERE.
*I received a complimentary copy of Be Still My Soul from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review*
Oh, I just love to hear the stories behind hymn & their authors. When I was a little girl the leader of our church's children's choir would always begin teaching us a new song with a bit of background on that song & it's writer.
ReplyDeleteYou know I love hymns and I always enjoy reading about the story behind the words. I have a similar book with rough cut pages and simply love it. It's written my Robert J. Morgan. I will definitely have to look into this book - thank you for the wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
I have this book Sarah, and it is one of my very favorites! :0) mari
ReplyDeleteSarah this sounds like a book I could be interested in. I'm curious in your opinion if I wanted to use this for educational purposes, what grade level could this be appropriate for? High school, Junior High, Elementary? I would love your opinion.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
I thought this would be a great educational book too! I would recommend this book for high school grades, since some of the stories are more mature and younger readers may not enjoy them.
Delete-Sarah
Hmm... was afraid you might say that. It does look perfect for my older kiddos. Maybe I could selectively pick out stories for my youngers though? Sounds like a good read-aloud at the breakfast table.
DeleteThank you for your response.
It sounds like a lovely book Sarah! I also enjoy history so that would make it even more special... I am curious about Eric Liddell now and the hymn as he is a favorite in our family. Thanks for sharing your review with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I made your toffee bar recipe last week at a church lunch, very tasty! :)
Have a happy, healthy and blessed New Year!