A Short History of the Western Liturgy [Paperback]

Theodor Klauser (Author), John Halliburton (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 23, 1979 | ISBN-10: 0192132237 | ISBN-13: 978-0192132239 | Edition: 2

This new series brings together a number of great academic works from the archives of Oxford University Press. Reissued in a uniform series design in Spring 2000, Oxford Scholarly Classics will enable libraries, scholars, and students to gain fresh access to some of the finest scholarship of the last century.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A modern classic."--The Christian Century

"Of extraordinary value is the...extensive bibliography--a real treasure-trove of information--which provides directions for further study and research."--Modern Liturgy

"Clearly organized and written in an easy-to-understand style...should be quite useful as a basic text for the study of Western liturgy....Very useful and informative."--Catholic Library World

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (August 23, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192132237
• ISBN-13: 978-0192132239
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,351,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic of Christian History, April 18, 2006

By 

Georgia Quirk "pastoral minister" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Short History of the Western Liturgy (Paperback)

Dr. Klauser presents a classical interpretation of the changes and developments in the liturgy from the time of Christ to Vatican Council II. The work is divided into four periods which have become standard designations: from the Ascension of Jesus to Gregory the Great, "creative beginnings," (30-590); from Gregory the Great to Gregory VII, "expansion under Franco-German preeminence," (590-1073); from Gregory VII to the Council of Trent, "luxuriant growth," (1073-1545); and from Trent to Vatican II, "unification and regulation," (1545-1963). Each period is introduced with a concise summary followed by Dr. Klauser's discussion. Four appendices are included and the translator has added a page of citations to supplement the 57-page bibliography.

Of particular interest to the reader, Dr. Klauser does not hesitate to point out misdirections the Church has taken such as development of the cult of the sacrament playing out "the misuse of the mass as a devotional exercise in front of the monstrance" (p.139). In another example he discusses the shocking revisions to the liturgy brought about by Vatican II (p.153-159). In all, an easy (although scholarly) and informing read, laced with history and enlightening asides.