Published in 1958 this book is in good condition for its age.  Inside the pages are intact and free from foxing.  The jacket is in fair condition; it has a little wear and tear to it which is expected for its age.  On the first page, there is a personal inscription. Sandy Macpherson was a BBC Organist from the time of the Second World War.  In this, book Sandy Macpherson, the organist beloved by millions of radio listeners all over the world talks about the English Hymns and how they came to be composed and written.  He gives a special place to the hymns requested by listeners to his popular CHAPEL IN A VALLEY programme.  Some space is also devoted to the organist\'s approach to the rendering of the music.  Through the care of one who obviously loves his subject many readers will be drawn back to their old favourites and will be introduced to others that may, in time, become equally well loved.  By his re-creation of the personalities of hymn-writers and composers, some well-known, some virtually unknown, Sandy Macpherson has earned the gratitude of all those to whom the English hymn tradition is a living reality.