Isaac Watts is known to history as the father of English hymnody. He wrote some 750 hymns, including beloved classics like “Joy to the World” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Today, however, Watts’ work is increasingly forgotten as many churches follow the latest innovations in worship to the neglect of the great hymns of the faith. In The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts , Douglas Bond argues that the grandeur, beauty, and joy of Watts’ lyrics, with their rich biblical and theological content, can help the church regain a sense of wonder at the majesty of God, leading to a reform of worship. This book demonstrates how Watts used his poetic gifts in multiple ways for the good of the church in his day. In an age of simplistic and repetitive worship songs, the church must not forget Isaac Watts. By taking his words as our own, Christians today can share in his wonder at Christ and the glories of the world to come, learning how to better praise God. This book is part of the Long Line of Godly Men Profile series, edited by Dr. Steven Lawson. “Who among us has not had heart and mind stirred by a Watts hymn? Here we learn the story behind the hymns. We learn of a Christ-centered life, a doxological life. And from that wellspring has come the hymns we love to sing. Watts’ hymns are a gift for the church, and so is this biography by Douglas Bond.” -- Dr. Stephen J. Nichols “We all know and love ‘Joy to the World,’ ‘Jesus Shall Reign,’ ‘Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed,’ ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,’ ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past,’ and a host of his other compositions. And yet, most Christians know precious little about the author of these great hymn texts—the man history has dubbed the ‘Father of English Hymnody.’ At least, until now. Thanks to the prolific and eloquent pen of Douglas Bond, we now have an insightful glimpse into the life, the faith, and the poetic wonder of this remarkable servant of the church: Isaac Watts. This delightful book needs to be put at the top of your must-read list.” -- Dr. George Grant Douglas Bond is the head of the English Department and a longtime teacher at Covenant High School, a classical Christian school in Tacoma, Wash. He has written numerous works of fiction, many of them for young people, including the Crown & Covenanttrilogy (focusing on a Covenanter family in Scotland) and the Faith and Freedom trilogy (following the same family to Revolutionary America). Among his nonfiction titles are Stand Fast in the Way of Truth and Hold Fast in a Broken World .