Timothy Dudley-Smith celebrated his 90th birthday last December; rather than cutting back on his output, [he's produced] this outstanding collection of essays. If 'essays' sounds academic, these reflections are far from that - at times one feels as if in conversation with the author . Timothy Dudley-Smith has read widely, thought profoundly and clearly prayed intensely about hymnody. He has also listened to other voices to whom he gives considerable space; therange of quotations from other authors is remarkable and enlivens the writing. Whether one sees him as a major voice towards the end of a great tradition ' a sort-of Sibelius in the symphonic tradition - or someone who helps to reinvigorate and show the way forward for a tradition still with a gloriousfuture, this book should be essential reading for everyone concerned with hymnody.