Rating: 
Summary: An Outstanding Resource on Hymnody
Review: I highly recommend this book for anyone who is captivated by the beauty of English-language hymns and wants to learn more about their origin. Osbeck does an outstanding job of presenting short, interesting, readable biographies of hymn writers such as Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts and many more. The words and music appear, too. And don't forget about the sequel, "101 More Hymn Stories."
Rating: 
Summary: 101 Hymn Stories
Review: I was disapointed. One of the reveiws said the book had all the verses and it doesn't. I am looking for Hymn History with all the verses. Some or many hymns have 10-15 verses. This book does not show them.
Rating:
Summary: 101 Hymn Stories
Review: I was disapointed. One of the reveiws said the book had all the verses and it doesn't. I am looking for Hymn History with all the verses. Some or many hymns have 10-15 verses. This book does not show them.
Rating:
Summary: A little disappointing
Review: The book is worth reading for anyone who enjoys hymns. However, many of the "stories behind the hymns" are nothing more than a brief biographical sketch of the author and composer.The reason for this is legitimate, of course: no one has a written account of the author's intent when he or she wrote many of these hymns, especially the older ones. There are notable exceptions, of course, such as the story behind "It Is Well With My Soul," one of my favorites. So my recommendation is thus: take the time to read the book. You'll learn some history, and probably some new hymns as well. But, don't be surprised when all you get at times is a background of the author, not of the hymn itself.
Rating:
Summary: A little disappointing
Review: The book is worth reading for anyone who enjoys hymns. However, many of the "stories behind the hymns" are nothing more than a brief biographical sketch of the author and composer. The reason for this is legitimate, of course: no one has a written account of the author's intent when he or she wrote many of these hymns, especially the older ones. There are notable exceptions, of course, such as the story behind "It Is Well With My Soul," one of my favorites. So my recommendation is thus: take the time to read the book. You'll learn some history, and probably some new hymns as well. But, don't be surprised when all you get at times is a background of the author, not of the hymn itself.
Rating:
Summary: A little disappointing
Review: The book is worth reading for anyone who enjoys hymns. However, many of the "stories behind the hymns" are nothing more than a brief biographical sketch of the author and composer. The reason for this is legitimate, of course: no one has a written account of the author's intent when he or she wrote many of these hymns, especially the older ones. There are notable exceptions, of course, such as the story behind "It Is Well With My Soul," one of my favorites. So my recommendation is thus: take the time to read the book. You'll learn some history, and probably some new hymns as well. But, don't be surprised when all you get at times is a background of the author, not of the hymn itself.
Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding Resource on Hymnody
Review: This 288-page book summarizes the most favorite 101 hymns used by main-line Protestant churches. Although it was written in 1982, it is selling well (my copy is the 11th printing in 1990) and its content will continue to be current. At a bargain price of about $10, Osbeck's book represents exceptionally good value. The author appears quite well-qualified with a Master's degree in music from the University of Michigan and over 40 years of experience in church music. The full hymn is printed, then the Osbeck provides a one-page summary of the author's life with focus on the circumstances of how each hymn came to be written. I found it very helpful and insightful to learn the story-behind-the-story of each hymn. These poignant insights are very useful in explaining the hymn in Sunday school classes and to the entire congregation. This book has my full recommendation, and for just ten dollars, it represents good value as well. The book is very readable for laypersons. (This reviewer is a geologist and not a professional musician.)
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent summary of the all-time best 101 hymns
Review: This 288-page book summarizes the most favorite 101 hymns used by main-line Protestant churches. Although it was written in 1982, it is selling well (my copy is the 11th printing in 1990) and its content will continue to be current. At a bargain price of about $10, Osbeck's book represents exceptionally good value. The author appears quite well-qualified with a Master's degree in music from the University of Michigan and over 40 years of experience in church music. The full hymn is printed, then the Osbeck provides a one-page summary of the author's life with focus on the circumstances of how each hymn came to be written. I found it very helpful and insightful to learn the story-behind-the-story of each hymn. These poignant insights are very useful in explaining the hymn in Sunday school classes and to the entire congregation. This book has my full recommendation, and for just ten dollars, it represents good value as well. The book is very readable for laypersons. (This reviewer is a geologist and not a professional musician.)
Rating:
Summary: Great Musical Stories
Review: This is a great book if you want to know the story behind your favorite hymns. It is always enjoyable to know why particular lyrics and music were written! Osbeck does great research and it is not disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: Great Musical Stories
Review: This is a great book if you want to know the story behind your favorite hymns. It is always enjoyable to know why particular lyrics and music were written! Osbeck does great research and it is not disappointing.
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