By setting their doubts, hopes, and gratitude to music, the authors of classic hymns have comforted and guided people for centuries. This book pairs the poetry of our language's most beautiful and moving hymns with stunning artwork inspired by their words. Here are such standards as "Amazing Grace," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "Go Down, Moses," "Simple Gifts," "Nearer, My God, to Thee," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" along with classic Christmas carols and less famous but equally lovely spirituals. An introductory essay explores the ancient tradition of sacred poetry and the development of sacred song, exploring early Christian Latin hymns, Lutheran Reformation hymns, and spirituals borne from slavery.