Abide with Me

Vividly portrays the inspiration and history of twenty of the most popular hymns

Combining internationally acclaimed Paul Seawright's breathtaking photographs and John Parker's descriptive text, Abide with Me is a gorgeous collection of images from the sites, sounds, and history that gave birth to some of Christianity's most poignant and revered hymns. You are familiar with these songs, but do you know

• the hymn specially written for a sister's wedding in 30 minutes?
• the privileged poet and hymnist who would die ministering in India?
• the first British hymn ever written and its original language?
• the song of comfort written by the daughter of a newspaper editor, a song associated with the funerals of three American presidents?

In the past 300 years, no other collection of poetry and music has been voiced or loved as consistently as have British hymns. Every week during those centuries, worshippers in churches throughout Britian, Europe, and America have read and sung such verses as "Rock of Ages" and "Abide with Me." Whether celebrations of joy or in times of sadness, these hymns have become staples of our culture, and this book will become a classic family favorite as well.

Highlighting the faithful work of twenty composers, like John Newton, Henry Lyte, and Sarah Flowers Adams, this hardcover book includes a free 24-song CD featuring beloved hymns, performed by Ray Walker of the Jordinaires and other artists.