In 1549 Thomas Cranmer published the first "Prayer Book" in English. Based on a medieval form of worship, its language is both sublime and majestic. "Later Prayer Books" produced by the Anglican Communion are derived from it - and in the eyes of many are inferior. All Christian denominations in England and America owe an incalculable debt to Cranmer's pioneering work. This new edition presents Cranmer's services in a form which is practical, accessible and easy to follow. This is the first edition designed for use in worship since the original publication over 450 years ago. As in the original, the instructions - the "rubrics" - are printed in red. The present publishers hope that churches and informal Christian groups may use if for occasional - or even regular - acts of worship.
