In his final accomplishment of an extraordinarily distinguished career, James W. McKinnon considers the musical practices of the early Church in this incisive examination of the history of Christian chant from the years a.d. 200 to 800. The result is an important book that is certain to have a long-lasting impact on musicology, religious studies, and history.

Prior to his death in February 1999, James W. McKinnon was Richard H. Fogel Professor of Music at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He authored numerous books and articles on medieval music, including The Early Christian Period and The Latin Middle Ages (1998).