Fairly good overview of the life and work of Isaac Watts, written in part of the commemoration of the tricentennial of Watts's birth. The author is particularly good at setting Watts in his historical environment (for example, his discussion of the rising persecution of Nonconformists during the latter years of Queen Anne's reign help the reader understand that line from Watts's hymn "O God, our help in ages past": "Be thou our guard while troubles last..."). One drawback is a lack of clarity in use of quotations (although this might be more a problem with the typeface than with the writing per se). There are a number of line drawings sprinkled throughout the text that are a delightful addition. In Appendices, we are provided with some examples of Watts's writing, including some 20 of his hymn/poems. Could be considered a good source for the reader wanting an introduction to Watts and his times. ( )