Roy Strong draws on recent scholarship by Eamon Duffy and others in this delightful introduction to the history of the English country church. There is a certain wistfulness here. Strong, as practicing churchman, accepts, in the epilogue, many of the theological and liturgical changes of the past 500 years, set in motion by the Reformation, but ultimately regrets the disruption and dislocation of medieval popular Christianity. This is most clear when he describes the alienation of the working classes from the village church ever since Reformation times.

Strong's book offers a clear and readable style along with a wealth of illustrations. ( )

As its title suggests, this book provides a short overview of the history of the English country parish church from its origins in the Anglo-Saxon era right up to the present day. The Church as an institution went through regular change and upheaval throughout this time, most notably in the sixteenth and seventeeth centuries. Strong shows how each twist and turn left its mark on the physical fabric of the country church and on the activities that went on within its walls. ( )

The book's title gives a hint to the personality and authority of its author, because here, in just over 300 pages, Sir Roy Strong has written one of the most fascinating tales of English village life over the centuries in which England has been "Christian". Certainly, it is about the church in the village - and compelling reading even when it constrains itself to the aesthetic and architectural developments within church design and furnishing - but it becomes gripping when it discusses the historical backdrop of events and beliefs which have moved the English.

I think that this is a great book. It may prove to be one of our best records of the church (and the Church!), and it is by no means little in its content and coverage. Sir Roy's light touch never lets the book become too solemn, even though he is making a plea for these buildings and their contents. ( )