101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth Osbeck

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Welcome to this detailed DDT Product Review of Kenneth Osbeck’s classic book

on hymn backgrounds called “101 More Hymn Stories” (henceforth in this review

to be referred to as simply “101 More”.) No matter what “version” of this work that

you are interested in, you’ll find out what’s most important about it: the content.

I want to give you enough information to make sure that you are an informed buyer.

I also want you to know right up front my theological perspective so you’ll be able

to understand what I write (I think that’s important, and I’m quite sure you’ll agree!).

Finally, I know that you’ve already looked at the DDT Rating, so you already know

the conclusion: this is a great resource for everyone, regardless of doctrine and

denomination. Now, let us commence with the Review!

Introductory Comments

Can 200,000 copies be wrong? After Ken’s successfull “101 Hymn Stories,” he published a second similar work with the original title of “101 More Hymn Stories.” OK, pardon the sarcasm, but it was so popular that it has been printed over 200,000 times. That’s pretty good, I’d say! And Osbeck’s second book is as good as his first.

Hymns Included

As you might expect if you are familiar with Osbeck’s first book, most of the hymn stories in this volume come from hymns that are Good ‘Ole classics, like

Be Thou My Vision

The Solid Rock

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

Joy to the World

Trust & Obey

Christ Arose (a personal favorite!)

My Jesus I Love Thee

Standing on the Promises

But this time around, Osbeck also included a few hymn stories from more modern hymnology, like

I’d Rather Have Jesus

Satisfied

Because He Lives

(True to the title, there are 90 more hymn stories, too!)

Content

Osbeck may be a musician; but he writes like a good reporter, or a biographer - not a historian. These aren’t a collection of boring facts strung together; they are stories. They are good stories! And they are good stories told well.

Each of the hymn stories includes a hymnal arrangement of the song, and also some type of pithy quote, saying, poetry, or anecdote. The chapters are short - averaging just about three pages per story. Easy to read; and easy to want to keep on reading!

Preachers, Teachers, and speakers will find a wealth of illustrative material here. Christians looking for good devotional material will find months of solid reading. There just isn’t much not to like here!

Conclusion

I give this book a “Great Resource for Everyone Rating” - which is basically my top rating for a book like this. It’s hard to imagine it being any better. Osbeck’s hymn stories are some of the finest devotional works published from the twentieth century.

Other Reviews

Amazon.com offers 6 reviews (as of Februrary, 2012). Read them here.

Purchase Osbeck’s 101 Hymn Stories Here

Purchase 101 More Hymn Stories formatted for theWord Bible Software

Purchase 101 More Hymn Stories softcover from Amazon.com

See Osbeck’s other titles from Amazon.com

REVIEW: 101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth Osbeck

DDT Fast Facts

Theological Description: “Old School” Conservative & Evangelical
Favored Scripture Version: KJV/NKJV (edition specific)
Originally published in 1985; paperback is 300+ pages
Available at local Christian bookstores for $16
Softcover available online for $12 or less
Available digitally in some Bible Software Packages for less than $13

DDT Fast Links

Purchase 101 More Hymn Stories formatted for theWord Bible Software

Purchase 101 More Hymn Stories from Amazon.com

Click Here for information other titles in this series

This is one of the true Christian classics of devotional literature written in the 20th Century. If you’re familiar with the Grand ‘Ole Hymns of the Faith, then this book is indispensable reading. It will stir your soul - and make you a better singer!

DDT Rating

Great Resource for Everyone