Book Review: Medieval Latin Liturgy in English Translation

Edited by Matthew Cheung Salisbury

The book introduces the latin liturgy, explaining the basics before translating the Mass from 3 different manuscripts (showing local variations to the ceremony) . There are also translations of selected Mass Propers (that is, additions to Mass for specific holy days), of the Divine Office for select occasions (ex: Epiphany, Matins of St Thomas Becket), Votive Services (ex: Vespers of the dead), and Occasional Services & Private Prayers (ex: Dedication of a Church, vocation of a Nun).

The Liturgy is such an important aspect of medieval Catholic life and I’ve been trying for years to better understand it. So this book was a wonderful find. I appreciated the variety of texts that were included, showing how things varied by place as well as date (that is, changes occurred over time to the liturgy and the day to day liturgy itself changed depending on the calendar, feast days, etc).

Given how much medieval literature uses the first words of certain prayers as shorthand for those prayers, I kind of wish the author had included the latin next to the english. But it’s wonderful having so many medieval prayers and texts translated into English in an easy to read format.

I expect this is a book I will reread often, to better grasp the ceremony & the meaning behind the words.

Not a Review: From Age to Age by Edward Foley

This isn't a proper review because I only had time to read select chapters of interest.

When I did my degree in medieval studies I learned about languages, manuscripts, church architecture, drama, literature and philosophy. It shocks me now that not one professor suggested learning about Catholicism and how the church's liturgy affected architecture, etc. The first inkling I had that I'd missed something massively important was during my graduation mass (the first time I attended mass), and so many things suddenly clicked. Recently I've been trying to plug that gap in my knowledge and came across From Age to Age: How Christians Have Celebrated the Eucharist.

The book has an introduction followed by 7 chapters: 

1. Emerging Christianity: The First Century

2. The Domestic Church: 100-313

3. The Rise of the Roman Church: 313-750

4. Frankish Domination: 750-1073

5. The Prelude to Reform: 1073-1517

6. Revolt, Reform and Rigidity: 1517-1903

7. The Return to Change: 1903 and Beyond

The book concludes with a glossary and bibliography.

Within each chapter the author subdivides the information into categories for architecture, music, books, and vessels for administering the Eucharist.

The book explained terms I've seen for years without properly understanding them (for specific books and liturgical vessels in particular), as well as giving some indications as to how the space in a church was used over time (the development of the choir, the slow exclusion of the congregation from singing/participating).

If you don't know the difference between a missal and a breviary, or what a pyx is, this is an easy to read primer that covers the whole of Catholicism. It doesn't go into a lot of detail, but it gives a good foundation.