Why has The Evolution of the English Hymn—cm Historical Survey
of the Origin and Development of the Hymns of the Christian Church, by F. J. Gillman (Allen and Unwin, 10s. 6d.), such an awkward title ? It is a delight to turn its pages. Mr. Gillman reminds us that some of the sayings of Jesus take metrical form ; and concludes that " the fountain of Christian hymnody is pure at its source." He then passes from the Dark Ages by way of Clairvaux and Assisi to Refor- Mation and later days. In the chapter on " The Modern Era " one looks for the names of Bronte, Hosmer, Stirling, Johnson, Hardy, and finds three of them are missing. But the space devoted to the attitude of the Society of Friends towards hymn singing is valuable new work. Gaps should be
filled in the later editions to which this book must surely run. Here is scholarship with a rare facility for expression, Since there-is no other book in the field like this, at least no
minister of religion can afford to plead, " I have not seen it." * * * *
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