I have recently written a novel about life in England during the Second World War. I felt some concern before I tackled this theme — the War...
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Westermeyer's Te Deum is a welcome addition to the working church choirmaster's library. He pulls together the history and evolution of Christian church music in a single, readable volume.
This book is immediately useful for the working church musician because it helps articulate in simple, straightforward language why certain music is used in certain contexts of liturgy and why different Christian sects have slightly differing musical traditions. (Those of us who work for a variety of churches may find these descriptions particularly enlightening.) He also explains the theological underpinnings of several key divergent musical traditions in simple, accessible terms.
But of course, the scope of the topic is really beyond a single volume, so Westermeyer provides ample footnotes for further research and reading, including original sources in many cases.
In summary, Te Deum is a very readable and well annotated introductory text on this subject and I recommend it highly.
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
A very accessible and affectionate account of the politics and personalities of the non-separatists at Boston. Good companion to Philbrick's Mayflower, which focused on the Plymouth settlement. If you know a little about the history of the CofE and Calvinism it helps with some of the nuance in theology (since religion was often a key driver of the events), but even without, this book is totally accessible because of Vowell's style.
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(14 of 25 readers found this comment helpful)
This book gathers a lot of research about this issue in one place, making it a useful reference. It also accurately reflects many women's experiences, including my own. The practical guidance and insight it provides is concrete and immediately actionable. In fact, just being aware of the need to ask, even if it's asking in a gender-acceptable way, may be enough of a catalyst to instantly improve women's lives in tangible ways. It's a quick, easy read, and very worthwhile for both men and women, especially those who think they have no gender bias or have never been affected by gender bias.
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(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
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hh has commented on (3) products.
Te Deum: The Church and Music by Paul Westermeyer
hh, January 7, 2009
Westermeyer's Te Deum is a welcome addition to the working church choirmaster's library. He pulls together the history and evolution of Christian church music in a single, readable volume.This book is immediately useful for the working church musician because it helps articulate in simple, straightforward language why certain music is used in certain contexts of liturgy and why different Christian sects have slightly differing musical traditions. (Those of us who work for a variety of churches may find these descriptions particularly enlightening.) He also explains the theological underpinnings of several key divergent musical traditions in simple, accessible terms.
But of course, the scope of the topic is really beyond a single volume, so Westermeyer provides ample footnotes for further research and reading, including original sources in many cases.
In summary, Te Deum is a very readable and well annotated introductory text on this subject and I recommend it highly.
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell
hh, November 6, 2008
A very accessible and affectionate account of the politics and personalities of the non-separatists at Boston. Good companion to Philbrick's Mayflower, which focused on the Plymouth settlement. If you know a little about the history of the CofE and Calvinism it helps with some of the nuance in theology (since religion was often a key driver of the events), but even without, this book is totally accessible because of Vowell's style.(14 of 25 readers found this comment helpful)
Women Don't Ask : Negotiation and the Gender Divide (03 Edition) by Linda Babcock
hh, March 9, 2007
This book gathers a lot of research about this issue in one place, making it a useful reference. It also accurately reflects many women's experiences, including my own. The practical guidance and insight it provides is concrete and immediately actionable. In fact, just being aware of the need to ask, even if it's asking in a gender-acceptable way, may be enough of a catalyst to instantly improve women's lives in tangible ways. It's a quick, easy read, and very worthwhile for both men and women, especially those who think they have no gender bias or have never been affected by gender bias.(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)