Songs of Praise: The Nation's Favourite Book

The spiritual roadshow that is Songs of Praise is officially now one of the world's longest-running television programmes. That it has managed to retain its slot on prime time television in spite of its age is a great feat--after all, how exactly do you keep viewers interested in the same weekly mix of congregational singing in church buildings? Some of the secrets are disclosed in the book of the series, also called Songs of Praise, which explores the surprising variety and depth behind the programme's simple format: using two of the oldest forms of religion--sung worship and personal testament; visiting a huge variety of different congregations and denominations; exploring their rich cultural and geographical associations; all delivered by the latest technology into the home. The author charts the history of the series, recalls anecdotes about favourite songs and English communities with all their idiosyncrasies, and also details just how difficult it is to light churches and plan how to film what the producer, rather than the cameramen, wants: "No, camera 3, we must not see that blonde again!". Songs of Praise, like the technology it employs, has been constantly adapted and refined to move confidently into the 21st century. With the help of popular presenters and shows filmed from around the world, the series seems to succeed in giving itself a fresh face. This reliable BBC companion reflects the programme's sense of Christian unity and durability at a time when the world is changing rapidly--perhaps epitomised by its accounts of programmes filmed in the midst of great mourning after the Dunblane attack on the local primary school, and the death of Diana. --Susannah SteelRead More