of comfort or conviction, for their associations with beloved brothers and sisters, or for their connection to meaningful events. But many hymns are also powerful works of devotional poetry--displaying levels of artistry that we easily miss when we are simply singing through them. This anthology of great hymns invites us to experience these works as poems--to slow down and savor their well-turned phrases, their surprising metaphors, and their evocative language. English professor Leland Ryken provides historical background and literary analysis for each hymn, finishing each with a Scripture reading to accompany it. The result is a wonderfully devotional and poetic study of the Christian life, drawing on hymns such as "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Be Thou My Vision," "In Christ Alone," and many more.