Customer Reviews

101 More Hymn Stories: The Inspiring True Stories Behind 101 Favorite Hymns

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101 More Hymns provides not only the histories of by-gone hymn authors and composers. It provides the complete sheet music. Some of these hymns are not found in the current hymn books. This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in older hymns and hymn histories. My children highly recommend this book as does as their mother.

I tend to be conservative in my reviews, but Mr. Osbeck rightly deserves the highest marks for his ability to bring a meaningful story to each of the wonderful hymns many have loved for so long. Behind each of the hymns there lies some fascinating information. While some might see merely an odd assortment of facts, Ken Osbeck has clearly used his gift as an author to mold these facts into a wonderful story. These stories are not fiction--- they are all true because behind each hymn lies the story of it's authors: the lyricist (who wrote the words) and the composer (the writer of the musical melody). I would urge the reader to purchase not only this, but the other books about hymns written by Kenneth Osbeck. Truly, this man has answered a calling: to shed light on the reasons why hymnwriters wrote those deeply spiritual and personally meaningful words. Today, in an age where traditional hymns are being used less and less, I personally believe this book is even more important: because the problems and situations hymnwriters faced were really not very different than our own. And while I enjoy the new trend in "Worship and Praise" music, I still enjoy performing the old hymns and reading the stories behind them. Bottom line? Very highly recommended.

This is simply the best and most completely researched volume on hymns, their music and text. The author has done a masterful job of writing stories about the words and music. You get a sense of the people, personalities and their times. This gives a depth and richness to the hymns. This book also honors the music as well as the poetry. Music is presented in its entirety. The author also has given quotations and poetry at the end of each chapter. This is the reference if you are interested in stories about hymns.

These hymns take on new inspiration and new meaning as you read the stories about the lives of the hymn writers and composers.
Learning of the trials or joys, disappointments or successes, and the comfort and inspiration the Holy Sprit gives in these life's circumstances, lift the hymns into a new spiritual perspective. Identifying with the lives of the hymn writers and their close communion with the Holy Spirit is a great source of comfort and inspiration to one's own spirit.

Who knew the stories behind the old hymns we know, love and have grown up with have such interesting stories! Great for small group studies!

very complete bios and excellent use of other pertinent information...also widened my horizons of hymns unfamiliar to me