Product Description

A Sacrifice of Praise is a one-volume collection of Christian poetry in English compiled from a spectrum of poets who span twelve centuries. Beginning with Caedmon (ca.658-680), the poetry comes from the anicent, medieval, Reformation, and modern periods and from Anglican, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox poets, as well as mainline and evangelical traditions. Because poetry is a vehicle of praise and exhortation, of meditation and understanding, these selections include every form and style of reflection and psalm, from private, personal devotion to hymns and epic forms with godly themes.

In addition to the poetry, each chapter includes an introduction and time line meant to provide a background against which readers can better understand the intricacies and nuances of the poets and their work. Short biographical introductions to each poet are briefly introduced alongside their poetry.

We who speak English have twelve centuries of Christian poetry behind us. It is a deep and broad stream of praise, frequently poured out by men and women who died for the faith in the midst of persecution. While the glory of God may have been diminished by sectarian motives of some poets, the channel of the stream has always been faith, an unbroken succession of men and women who have praised God. Thus while A Sacrifice of Praise may instruct those who write poetry, it is ultimately a hymnbook for all of God's people.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1493234 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 797 pages

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

About the Author
James H. Trott is a writer and carpenter whose poetry has appeared in numerous poetry magazines, The Banner, Christianity and Literature, and Cornerstone. He is a graduate of Harvard University in English and author of the chapbook Prisoner's Pardons. A Sacrifice of Praise is his first book. He lives with his wife and family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Customer Reviews

More of the best in one place than any book out in a while.
*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.

From Their Lips to God's Ear
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.

Evangelicals take note!
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.