In this study, Graham examines 76 core repertory tunes frequently appearing in Methodist Episcopal Church tune books published between 1808 and 1878. Introductory chapters offer background information on the evolution of Methodist authorized tunebooks and hymnals. Each tune is then presented from three perspectives: a five-part biography including the text incipit and tune nomenclature; a census including the spelling of tune variants and the authorized tunebook in which it appears; and the tune displayed in full score. Graham is university organist and teaches church music at the U. of Toronto. The text is based upon his doctoral thesis. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)