Erik Routley (1917–1982)

In many ways, a curious book. For one thing, the title is taken from a hymn by Isaac Watts, who is -not- included in the volume! For another thing, the author seems rather antipathetic to some of his subjects at times (for example, he goes to great lengths to point out what he perceives to be the inimical effects of John Newton's Calvinism on his friend William Cowper, and he seems especially critical of Philip Doddridge's poetic gifts). On the other hand, one sometimes wishes he would not assume so much on the part of his readers. Times (and hymnal tastes) have changed, and his allusions are not always clear, his quotations sometimes too allusive to be entirely useful. (Interestingly enough, the section on John Newton does not mention 'Amazing Grace' at all, and, to judge from 'Trinity Hymnal,' at least, Toplady is hardly a "minor" hymn-writer.) -- Still a useful and interesting volume and one from which I learned a great deal.… (altro)