American Hymnody

Note: this is a pre-order. Expected ship date is October 2026.

Project Summary

American Hymnody is a new scholarly anthology of the hymn texts and tunes that have shaped American church music in the Protestant tradition, edited by Chris Fenner and Dan Kreider. It begins with the psalters of the early settlers, particularly the Bay Psalm Book, and continues through the singing revivals of the 18th century under Billings and Mason, camp meeting songs and spirituals of the 19th century, and hymns and gospel songs up to 1930. This volume includes only selections from the Protestant, English-speaking tradition. Though the focus is on American hymn texts, hymns of European origin are included if they are paired with well-known American tunes, such as NEW BRITAIN ("Amazing Grace") or PISGAH ("When I Can Read My Title Clear"). It also includes American translations of well-known hymns, such as "A Mighty Fortress." Texts and tunes are presented in their original form where possible, and all stanzas are included as originally published. Selections are presented in modern or shape-note notation according to the original source. The following are preserved from the source:

• pitches, courtesy accidentals, and rhythms
• syllabic beaming, stems, and slurs
• lyrics, hyphentation, punctuation, capitalization

Where the material presented deviates from the source, changes are indicated by footnotes. There are comprehensive indexes for titles, first lines, tune names, denominations, composers, authors, and sources, as well as a list of complete contents by section in the front. American Hymnody is a valuable resource for professors and students of hymnody, music historians, and anyone who enjoys studying and singing hymns.

Structure

Selections are grouped chronologically within sections, with brief historical overviews of each era:

• Early Psalmody, 1640–1700
• The Singing Revival, 1700–1770
• Early Texts and Tunes, 1770–1800
• Traditional Hymns, 1800–1850
• Camp Meeting Songs, 1800–1850
• Sunday School and Revival Hymns, 1850–1870
• Traditional Hymns, 1850–1900
• Early Spirituals, 1860–1900
• Gospel and Revival Hymns, 1870–1900
• Later Spirituals, 1900–1930
• Gospel Spirituals, 1920–1930
• Traditional Hymns, 1900–1930
• Gospel and Revival Hymns, 1900–1930

About the book

American Hymnody is hardcover, beautifully bound in cloth, debossing, foil stamping on the front and spine, and stitching on the case. The paper is premium 100gsm ivory.