The Book of Common Prayer and its Commentators 1655-1901

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The Book of Common Prayer has been at the heart of the devotional life of the Church of England for more than six hundred years, prompting what Geoffrey Cuming has called 'a new species of literature'-the Prayer Book Commentary. Written mostly by parish priests, members of cathedral chapters or bishops, these commentaries combine often profound learning with pastoral devotion, and a vision of the church as both catholic and apostolic. Many of these were widely used in their day, often in the context of disputes and divisions, and have been largely forgotten. Taken together they illustrate the theology and pastoral wisdom that has sustained the Church of England for centuries.