Music is at the heart of the world's cultural heritage, and is often invoked as numinous or spiritual. It has certainly played a key part in the history of Christianity, with many of the greatest composers creating music for worship.

In this fascinating book, Tim Dowley traces the history of Christian music. He divides the book into three parts: 1) Gloria Deo in Excelsis - the first sixteen centuries from the Jewish tradition to the late Renaissance 2) From Choir-stall to Concert Hall - after the Reformation 3) Let the People Sing - hymns and spiritual songs including the medieval tradition, the African American tradition and Orthodox worship. Each section of the book includes special features on key subjects or figures.