Customer Reviews

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had been using the Bonaventure edition of the Little Office, which is somewhat hard to follow and had no chant notation, so when I heard about the new Baronius edition, I was looking forward to purchasing it. I've been using it for about nine months now, and while it's a big improvement, it also has a number of problems which will hopefully be corrected in future editions.

The biggest problem is that it contains an unacceptable amount of typos, such as missing Latin phrases, verses swapped between hymns, antiphons in Office 2 which belong in Office 3 and vice versa, words in the text which don't show up in the chant. It would have been helpful to have diacritical marks in the Latin text to aid beginners with the pronunciation.

With Office 1 printed by itself, without the Office 2 and 3 variants interspersed, it's much easier to follow. However, once you get to Advent and Christmas, you still have to jump back and forth through the book to complete each of the hours. Even though it would have been redundant and resulted in a larger book, I would have preferred to have each Office printed in its entirety.

While it's great to have chant notation for the hymns and antiphons, it's a shame that common tones were not included - beginners are given no guidance for the chanting of the psalms, which is, after all, the lion's share of the Office. Also, the existing chant notation could have been more explicit, in that there are no markings to indicate lengthened neumes (dots, episemas, etc.).

So much for my grousing. It's still a lovely presentation, with the blue leather cover and two ribbons, but more proofreading and thought given to the chant could have resulted in a much better resource. As it is, it still remains the best introduction to the Little Office that I've encountered.

I am a big fan of the Little Office and have most of the previously published editions. This edition was published at the end of last year (2007) and I think is certainly worth getting. It has been edited to conform with the typical edition for the extraordinary liturgy and has all the Gregorian chant in it at the back. Apparently this is a first for a published edition of the Little Office, and I have used these chants on a few occasions. The Latin and English are of a good readable size, and unlike other Little Offices available, the typesetting is very clear. It isn't a photocopy! The binding is also very beautiful, with a stitched leather cover and gold edged pages.
If you want to pray with prayers used for centuries by faithful Catholics, this is the book!

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an exceptional value for the money.

For those lay people who would like to pray the "office" every day, this is the perfect companion piece, which is easily carried. It contains Matins, Lauds, Prime, Sext, None, Vespers and Compline and you are not only praying to God but also His Mother. I'm pleased with my purchase and would not be without it.

Never having read any office before I set out to find a book to draw me closer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This book is recommended by Pope Benedict XVI. When I first bought the book I found it overwhelming to figure it out. I looked on line for proper instructions on how to pray the Office. That was quite a bit of help. I finally figured it out and have fallen in love with this book. I am sorry I don't remember enough Latin to read the Latin parts but the English side is wonderful. My favorite part is Matins. I would like to sing the hymns but cannot find the music for it or the chants. All in all this is the best edition to have. Shortly after starting the Office I found out I have cancer and this book is seeing me through this difficult time of my life. I have found such peace and grace through it. I highly recommend this book. You will come to love the Blessed Mother and her church. If I find there is something in the scripture I don't understand I look it up on line at the NAB bible website and that has really helped me. I especially love that the book is leather bound and has two ribbons to keep your places.
Thank you Blessed Mother for coming into my life more deeply and for the blessings you have granted to me. I love you!

This edition of the Little Office is the best I have seen. It has all the wonders of the old liturgy brought to the modern world. It is clear, easy to read, and aesthetically marvellous. The size is small, and the flexible leather cover is nice. You won't find a better one around! Thank you FSSP!

I ordered this book and got the second edition. I sent it right back because there was too many typos still remaining in the book. For example, the Salve Regina on page 73 and 74 is entirely messed up.

Phil Haase

When I placed an order for this volume on Amazon, I must admit that I was a little uneasy about it, especially since I was not only buying a copy of it for myself, but another as a gift for someone else. I saw reviews of the first and second edition warning of rampant typos throughout. Upon receiving it I was happy to find that it was the third edition, published just this year (2011), and in my use of it I have not been able to find any errors, though I did have to look up "hath holpen." As always, Baronius can be depended on for producing a sturdy and beautiful volume.

As with all Baronius press books the quality and workmanship of the little office of the Blessed Virgin Mary is absolutely top notch, very well made and printed. I have found no typos so far and I having been using this book daily for nearly six months now. Actually for as much as I have used it and carried it around with me it still looks mint, again the quality is supreme.
I discovered some time ago the rich graces of praying the Divine Office but I don't have the time to properly pray it regality. The little office fits right in however. Of course I can also continue my devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary with the little office and it's great to take on the "go" being that it is so compact. There is never an excuse. This is probably one of the best prayer books I have ever purchased! I would recommend the little office and practicality this edition to anyone and everyone looking to increase their spiritual life. Every devout catholic should have one!

This book is beautiful and feels great the hands. The ribbons are high quality. Everything is perfect. I've used it daily for 6 months and the book shows no sign of wear.

Even though it's the second edition, I have noticed a few typos. Otherwise, it's perfect.

The Latin text very rich. A way to stay in touch with the treasures of the history of our Church.