Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has called for a "new" liturgical movement of the twenty first century to maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of the "old" in the century now closing. This book attempts an assessment of the 20th century liturgical movement and the brave but flawed reform to which it gave birth. Fr. Nichols reviews the reform as an historian, sociologist and cultural critic, pinpointing the areas that need to be addressed if a more satisfactory liturgical life in Western Catholicism is to be achieved. A timely and important work which is certain to spark much discussion on the need for a critical assessment of liturgical reform.

"In incredibly scholarly and readable fashion, Father Nichols provides us with a "behind-the-scenes" look at the contemporary liturgy of the Roman Rite: How we got where we are, just where we are, and how we might be able to move ahead. The work is characterized by rational discourse, moderate evaluations and modest proposals for the "reform of the reform" around which goal a consensus appears to be growing. This is "must" reading for any priest, seminarian or church musician, but equally for anyone who truly loves and cherishes the worship life of the Church."
- Fr. Peter Stravinskas
Editor, The Catholic Answer

"Fr. Nichols offers a balanced, calmly critical view of the new liturgy imposed on the Church after Vatican II. He finds much good in the Novus Ordo, but he also sees it deficient in the areas of worship, beauty and reverence."
- Fr. Kenneth Baker
Editor, Homiletic and Pastoral Review

Aidan Nichols is a Dominican theologian who has written some twenty books on various aspects of Catholic doctrine and theology, as well as Anglican and Eastern Orthodox theology and Church history. He has taught at Rome, Oxford and St. Mary's College, Oscott, and currently divides his time between England and France.