THIS fascinating book on the use of candles in the Roman liturgy was previously difficult to obtain secondhand. In addition to explaining the ancient use and symbolisms of candles, Fr. Edwin Ryan (a noteworthy American liturgist) outlines the various liturgical rules for candles.

This work is also unique and interesting for its wonderful illustrations by Terence J. Hughes and James R. Howard.  There are nine illustrations in all (four in beautiful watercolor and the remainder in black and white) which depict liturgically-correct altars properly vested with antependiums and conopaeums (even with some optional riddel curtains), and decorated with candles and flowers the Roman way.

Though ostensibly produced to sell candles, the book serves as an excellent example of the Liturgical Movement’s efforts in the United States to promote authentic practices of the Roman Rite against commonplace abuses and unbecoming expressions of liturgical art.

Reproduced as a high-quality softcover edition, a special natural-colored stock with a semi-sheen finish was used for the text, while the original vibrancy of the watercolor drawings was accurately recaptured.

Fully indexed and includes a table of contents, this book is a perfect reference for general interest, altar sodalities, sacristans, seminaries, catechism classes, and Catholic libraries.