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“A compelling story of a hymn rescued from the horror of slavery . . . in the author’s hands, 'Amazing Grace' lands firmly on the right side of history.”―TLS
Journey through the history of "Amazing Grace," one of the transatlantic world's most popular hymns and a powerful anthem for humanity.
Sung in moments of personal isolation or on state occasions watched by millions, "Amazing Grace" has become an unparalleled anthem for humankind. How did a simple Christian hymn, written in a remote English vicarage in 1772, come to hold such sway over millions in all corners of the modern world? With this short, engaging cultural history, James Walvin offers an explanation.
The greatest paradox is that the author of "Amazing Grace," John Newton, was a former Liverpool slave captain. Walvin follows the song across the Atlantic to track how it became part of the cause for abolition and galvanized decades of movements and trends in American history and popular culture. By the end of the twentieth century, "Amazing Grace" was performed in Soweto and Vanuatu, by political dissidents in China, and by Kikuyu women in Kenya. No other song has acquired such global resonance as "Amazing Grace," and its fascinating history is well worth knowing.
Journey through the history of "Amazing Grace," one of the transatlantic world's most popular hymns and a powerful anthem for humanity.
Sung in moments of personal isolation or on state occasions watched by millions, "Amazing Grace" has become an unparalleled anthem for humankind. How did a simple Christian hymn, written in a remote English vicarage in 1772, come to hold such sway over millions in all corners of the modern world? With this short, engaging cultural history, James Walvin offers an explanation.
The greatest paradox is that the author of "Amazing Grace," John Newton, was a former Liverpool slave captain. Walvin follows the song across the Atlantic to track how it became part of the cause for abolition and galvanized decades of movements and trends in American history and popular culture. By the end of the twentieth century, "Amazing Grace" was performed in Soweto and Vanuatu, by political dissidents in China, and by Kikuyu women in Kenya. No other song has acquired such global resonance as "Amazing Grace," and its fascinating history is well worth knowing.
Price: $19.95
Pages: 216
Publisher: University of California Press
Imprint: University of California Press
Publication Date:
31 October 2023
Trim Size: 8.25 X 5.50 in
ISBN: 9780520391826
Format: Hardcover
"A solid and well-researched effort about this famous, often-sung song."
"His affection for his subject is contagious and his engagement comprehensive, and his account is full of fascinating detail."
"Walvin's book is a testament to his excellence as a historian. . . . [He] gives us a meaningful survey of a beloved hymn that is well worth the reader's time. It would be of interest especially for those curious about the confluence of history, social change and religion. . . . Amazing Grace delivers an insightful look at the perennial appeal of a cherished classic."
"A short but fascinating book."
"The author’s research and writing are powerful and compelling. If you’re interested in musical history, religion, and both the human and American experience, Amazing Grace sums up much of our complex, ever-evolving story."
"A compelling story of a hymn rescued from the horror of slavery to become ‘a bold assertion for humanity’—a song about forgiveness that ends up travelling its own arc of redemption. Indeed, in the author’s hands, “Amazing Grace” lands firmly on the right side of history."
"It’s a nice story and it is nicely told by John Walvin"
"Walvin’s succinct and lucid cultural history explains how it is that a hymn — first penned in a small rural village in 18th-century England, by a former slave-ship captain no less — could come to have such universal familiarity. . . . Engrossing."
"A short but fascinating book."
"Strong, accessible, and engaging."
“This elegantly written book will appeal to diverse audiences.”
"His affection for his subject is contagious and his engagement comprehensive, and his account is full of fascinating detail."
"Walvin's book is a testament to his excellence as a historian. . . . [He] gives us a meaningful survey of a beloved hymn that is well worth the reader's time. It would be of interest especially for those curious about the confluence of history, social change and religion. . . . Amazing Grace delivers an insightful look at the perennial appeal of a cherished classic."
"A short but fascinating book."
"The author’s research and writing are powerful and compelling. If you’re interested in musical history, religion, and both the human and American experience, Amazing Grace sums up much of our complex, ever-evolving story."
"A compelling story of a hymn rescued from the horror of slavery to become ‘a bold assertion for humanity’—a song about forgiveness that ends up travelling its own arc of redemption. Indeed, in the author’s hands, “Amazing Grace” lands firmly on the right side of history."
"It’s a nice story and it is nicely told by John Walvin"
"Walvin’s succinct and lucid cultural history explains how it is that a hymn — first penned in a small rural village in 18th-century England, by a former slave-ship captain no less — could come to have such universal familiarity. . . . Engrossing."
"A short but fascinating book."
"Strong, accessible, and engaging."
“This elegantly written book will appeal to diverse audiences.”
James Walvin is Professor of History Emeritus at the University of York. He has published widely on slavery and modern social history. His most recent book is A World Transformed: Slavery in the Americas and the Origins of Global Power.
Contents
List of Illustrations
Introduction
1 • The Young Sinner
2 • Slave Trader Turned Preacher
3 • Crossing the Atlantic
4 • America, Music, and “Amazing Grace”
5 • Music in Slavery and Freedom
6 • Singing and the World of Print
7 • Musical Entertainments
8 • “Amazing Grace” in Folk and Gospel Music
9 • Music for Troubled Times
10 • A Song for All Seasons
11 • Pandemic: An Anthem for Humankind
12 • With Amazing Grace
Acknowledgments
Notes
Sources and Further Reading
Index
List of Illustrations
Introduction
1 • The Young Sinner
2 • Slave Trader Turned Preacher
3 • Crossing the Atlantic
4 • America, Music, and “Amazing Grace”
5 • Music in Slavery and Freedom
6 • Singing and the World of Print
7 • Musical Entertainments
8 • “Amazing Grace” in Folk and Gospel Music
9 • Music for Troubled Times
10 • A Song for All Seasons
11 • Pandemic: An Anthem for Humankind
12 • With Amazing Grace
Acknowledgments
Notes
Sources and Further Reading
Index