The Old Service-Books of the English Church. By Christopher Wordsworth,
MA., and Henry Littlehales. (Methuen and Co. 7s. 6d. net.)—This is one of the series of "The Antiquary's Books," edited by J. Charles Cox, LL.D. The student of this book—and it is well worth studying—should begin by carefully examining the "Table of Books Required" (in a parish church, it should be understood), and the modifying explanations, as given by Messrs. Wordsworth and Littlehales in their introduction. Of "Books Required" there are enumerated twenty-six. The list of "Books Actually Provided" is a very different matter, and cannot be put into as few words. The "Missal" is found everywhere. Next to this in frequency comes the "Psalter," and next to this the "Grail" (" Graduale "), which gave the music for the Scriptural elements of the" Missal." At the other extremity of the list are the " Marti- rage," the" Passionall," and the "Epistle-book." Another interest- img side of the subject treated in this volume is that of the services actually given in the mediaeval cathedrals and parish churches. We have the scheme of a day at Lincoln Cathedral, and another at the well-endowed Church of St. Mary, Doncaster. Here there was a College of eight Mass-priests, six of whom said Masses daily from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. The book is full of curious information, antiquarian and artistic, not without its bearing on matters yet more important. The subject is largely technical, the terms being for the most part unfamiliar to the average reader. This imperfect notice must include an acknowledgment of the un- sparing industry with which the authors have treated the subject.
Previous page
