Sacrifice of Praise: An Anthology of Christian Poetry in English from Caedmon to the Mid-Twentieth Century [Paperback]

James H Trott (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Trott, a poet and carpenter, is to be commended for the sheer scale and ambition of this anthology, which includes many traditional favorites--John Donne, Gerard Manley Hopkins--and many unexpected delights--Henry Hart Milman and Edward Young. The volume as a whole might have benefited from a complete table of contents as well as some scholarly assistance (assignment to poetic "period" is somewhat haphazard), and there are some unfortunate omissions (where are Ruth Pitter and Mary Sidney?). Still, this immense collection is a pleasure and an education. For most collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"James Trott does a wonderful job presenting the depth and passion of the tradition of English Christian poetry." -- WTBF, August 8, 2000

Product Details

• Paperback: 797 pages
• Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581820445
• ISBN-13: 978-1581820447
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,717,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More of the best in one place than any book out in a while., November 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sacrifice of Praise: An Anthology of Christian Poetry in English from Caedmon to the Mid-Twentieth Century (Paperback)

*A Sacrifice of Praise* includes around 700 poems by about 200 poets. The poems are among the best; the poets are each described in biographical paragraphs; each period has a short introduction; the development of most of the major genres is described in special sections. Both a title index and an author index allow cross-referencing. (The general arrangement is chronological by poet's year of birth.) *Cornerstone* magazine reviewer Curt Mortimer says, "The poems in *A Sacrifice of Praise* are chosen irrespective of denominational tradition. On the other hand, they all touch on true Christianity. And how do we know that? Donne's words say it best, 'Though truth and falsehood be near twins, yet truth a little elder is; Be busy to seek her. Believe me this, He is not of none, nor worst, that seeks the best... doubt wisely; in a strange way to stand inquiring right, is not to stray; to sleep or run wrong is.' So this reviewer is glad to strongly recommend *A Sacrifice of Praise*." Likewise this one.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From Their Lips to God's Ear, September 29, 2001

By 

"mrsfaganselves" (huntington, ny United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacrifice of Praise: An Anthology of Christian Poetry in English from Caedmon to the Mid-Twentieth Century (Paperback)

This anthology of poetry will serve as an excellent introduction to those unfamiliar with the genre or as a source of refreshing inspiration to those who know the works.

The book, broken into 12 chapters covering various time periods, offers all sorts of Christian poetry over roughly 1,200 years, from early Anglo-Saxon writings up to 20th Century works.

Authors are introduced with short biographies, as are the time periods to help readers get a sense of how language and religious poetic thought developed. The range of material is amazing, from works predating the Venerable Bede to Madeline L'Engle's plea to God to learn how to pray, written as she rode a New York City bus.

I found this to be a beautiful collection of value to anyone interested in Christian thought and prayer.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Evangelicals take note!, December 10, 2002

By 

Patrick Hanly (Greenport, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sacrifice of Praise: An Anthology of Christian Poetry in English from Caedmon to the Mid-Twentieth Century (Paperback)

As an evangelical, I am suprised that others of my persuasion have not discovered the treasure chest of beauty and devotion in Christian poetry. I consider it truely sublime and find reading it slowly and quietly to be a fountain of great devotional interest. I keep this volume on the shelf next to my bed and turn to it often.

This anthology in particular is an outstanding introduction to the excellence and beauty of Christian poetry. Buy it and read it slowly and prayerfully. Max Lucado is fine but sometimes it's good to think outside the box. Give this a try.