The Hymnes and Songs of the Church

The Hymnes and Songs of the Church is a significant work by George Wither, an English poet and Puritan pamphleteer. Published in 1623, it holds the distinction of being the first English hymnbook not solely based on the Psalms. This collection is noted for its passages of simple, rugged prose.1

Wither's work is also important in the history of print publication, as The Hymnes and Songs of the Church was the first book where an author successfully asserted copyright for their own work. While Wither is remembered for a few songs and hymns, his writing later became increasingly focused on religious and political causes due to his Puritan beliefs.1