And now that I've gotten that bit of surly out of my system...

A couple of book recommendations for Lent.

1. The first is a bit pricey, but well worth it: The Anglican Breviary.

Not sure why it's loading sideways, but--Blogger is free.

TAB is a reprint of an Anglican ultra-High Church endeavor in the 1950s--the translation of the Latin Catholic Breviary into English. And does it ever succeed.

Using the King James Version for the scriptural content, it is a straightforward translation of the pre-VatII Breviary, and it is glorious. For those familiar with the post-VatII Liturgy of the Hours, the older Breviary is a step up in the intensity level, with a diligent user going through the entire Psalter in one week instead of four. But, if you're like me and find the Psalms indispensible to your prayer life, this is not a problem. Yes, some high-Church Anglicanism gets into the mix as optional memorials (e.g., Charles I of England on January 30), but since I've always had more than a bit of sympathy for Anglo-Catholicism in general and poor Charles in particular, that's not much of a problem for me. Mileage varies, admittedly.

Nevertheless, every feast and observance under the old Calendar through the mid-1950s is in there, and it is glorious.

Take, buy and read.

2. Treasure and Tradition: The Ultimate Guide to the Latin Mass.

Another great find, but considerably less expensive, T&T delivers on its title. It truly is the finest introduction to the Extraordinary Form out there. Offered by Saint Augustine Academy Press, this attractively-hardbound book offers 114 glossy pages explaining everything about the Mass, including a word for word translation (helpful for your beginning Latin students), explanation of vestments and the old calendar cycle--the works. It's remarkable how much is packed into those pages, and with high production values to boot.

Better yet, it's on sale through the end of March. It was worth it before, but at 25% off it's a steal. For less than $20, there's no reason not to have it.

My one quibble is minor: 1. I have the first printing, which had two minor errors. While the errata sheet was welcome, it would have been nicer to have it as a cardstock or at least a glossy paper comparable to the printed text, instead of the photocopied sheet of paper. As I said, though--that's minor, and won't affect those buying now. Go and get it.