Hymnbook

A hymnbook is a book that collects hymns—sacred songs intended for congregational singing—in a single volume. It may present the lyrics of each hymn, with musical notation or a simple melody line, and often includes information such as meter, tune name, and suggested accompaniment. Hymnbooks are used in worship settings, religious education, and personal devotion, and they are produced for specific denominations, churches, or general use.

Contents and structure commonly found in hymnbooks include the body of hymns arranged for convenient reference, an index of first lines or titles, an index of tunes, and sometimes meters or keys. Many hymnbooks also provide liturgical guidance for seasonal services, as well as historical notes, biblical citations, or brief biographical information about authors and composers. Some editions include accompaniment parts for organ, piano, or choir, and modern editions may offer non-musical resources such as prayers or devotionals.

Historical development and usage vary by tradition, but hymnbooks emerged prominently during the Reformation and acquired central importance in Protestant worship, later expanding to Catholic and other Christian communities. They helped standardize sung worship and facilitated the dissemination of vernacular hymns. In many denominations, hymns have played a role in shaping theological emphasis and communal identity.

Notable examples include hymn collections widely used in English-speaking churches, such as Hymns Ancient and Modern in the United Kingdom and The Hymnal in various American denominations. With the advent of digital publishing, hymnbooks are increasingly available as apps and online databases, enabling projection, search, and licensing integrated with worship planning.