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American Revival Songs, 1820-1850: The Christian Lyre And Spiritual Songs For Social Worship, Paula M. Kane '80

Fenwick Scholar Program

This thesis focuses on the period 1820-1850, the heyday of revivalism and revival songs. The first section describes the background, nature and dynamics of 19th-century revivals in order to provide the historical setting and theological climate for the emergence of revival songs. The second section examines the origins, development and use of revival music in general. Two song collections are emphasized: the Christian Lyre compiled by Joshua Leavitt and Spiritual Songs for Social Worship by Thomas Hastings and Lowell Mason.