The Liturgy of the Hours in East and West

by Robert F. Taft and S.J. Robert Taft

The origins and development of the Divine Office are traced through both Eastern and Western branches of the Church, providing a wealth of historical and liturgical information. From the small beginnings of a few Christians in New Testament Jerusalem, the prayer of the Church spread, changing and evolving as it met and was assimilated by different cultures. This classic study is a major resource for the liturgical scholar.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B00563I8P0
• ISBN13: 9780814614051
• Release Date: July 1993
• Publisher: Liturgical Press
• Length: 440 Pages
• Weight: 1.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Work

The Prayer Offices of the Church often get side-stepped with the LCMS-thankfully there are a few brave souls who are trying to revive these offices. In my own parish I now offer Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer several times a month and it has been well received thus far. Taft's work is a great overview of the history of the Hours and reading it you can't help but wonder why such a magnificent use of the liturgy has gone by the wayside on the contemporary Christian front. What I love about the Prayer Offices is the tendency that they have to `slow' one down, stop the mind from racing, gently allowing one to bring Christ into focus through its liturgy and Psalms.

The single indespensible history of the Divine Office

As a liturgist, I have deeply studied the Liturgy of the Hours for many years. As a presbyter, I have offered the Liturgy of the Hours for seven years. As a Christian, I have been fascinated with the Liturgy of the Hours for nearly fifteen years. Robert Taft's masterful work has given to me, and to all of his readers, a deeper love for the Office, fuller information to use in revising the Office in various jurisdictions and denominations, and - without intending to do so - has given inspiration to many to offer prayer with the Church, through his witness to the purpose of the Office. I highly recommend this book to all who are seeking both a scholarly and spiritually moving work on the topic of the full history, Oriential, Byzantine, and Latin, of the Liturgy of the Hours.