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The Book of Common Prayer

A Biography
By Alan Jacobs
Series: Lives of Great Religious Books
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Book of Common Prayer traces the journey of one of the most influential texts in the English language, from its origins in 1549 during the reign of Henry VIII to its enduring global presence. Alan Jacobs reveals how the book, famed for phrases like "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here" and "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," began as a tool for social and political control before becoming a spiritual cornerstone whose language has deeply shaped English culture and religious life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in religious history, Anglican tradition, and the cultural influence of sacred texts in English literature.

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How The Book of Common Prayer became one of the most influential works in the English languageWhile many of us are familiar with such famous words as "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here. . ." or "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," we may not know that they originated in The Book of Common Prayer, which first appeared in 1549. Like the wo

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

How The Book of Common Prayer became one of the most influential works in the English language.

While many of us are familiar with such famous words as "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here..." or "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," we may not know that they originated in The Book of Common Prayer, which first appeared in 1549. Like the words of the King James Bible and Shakespeare, the language of this prayer book has saturated English culture and letters. Here Alan Jacobs tells its story.

He shows how The Book of Common Prayer—from its beginnings as a means of social and political control in the England of Henry VIII to its worldwide presence today—became a venerable work whose cadences express the heart of religious life for millions.

Series: Lives of Great Religious Books

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

“One could not wish for a more engaging introduction to the history of the Prayer Book” — Church Times
Elegant and authoritative. — Times Higher Education
"A gem." — First Things
"A beautifully lucid introduction" — Dr Rowan Williams, University of Cambridge
"Jacobs tracks all the changes like a shrewd detective." — Garry Wills

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691191782

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 May 2019

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 6 b/w illus.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 252

Collections

Alan Jacobs Non-Fiction Religion & Spirituality Series: Lives of Great Religious Books

About the Author

Alan Jacobs is Distinguished Professor of the Humanities in the Honors Program at Baylor University. His books include Original Sin: A Cultural History.

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