Glorious Things

It is possible to find hymns in which the most profound emotions are expressed. They are also essential to the literary history of the English-speaking people. References to hymns are constant and quotations from hymns in modern English usage are frequent. The ever-popular presenter of Songs of Praise has now made her own selection of hymns in this charming and beautifully illustrated anthology. The selection is very personal as the author explains how each hymn has had a particular message or significance for her at key moments in her own life - sometimes these are moments of joy and happiness and sometimes at times of tragedy and sadness. Sally Magnusson also explains why she dislikes many hymns and why they are not included. Who in these days of political correctness, for example, can sing lustily words like 'The rich man in his castle, the poor man at his gate'? More pertinent to our day and age are hymns with phrases such as 'Change and decay in all around I see' and the celebrated hymn by Martin Luther which runs 'A Firm Stronghold is our God'. In a reference to a number of hymns which do not appeal to her, Sally Magnusson writes 'I can only take so much blood-stained imagery