The Church of England has used the Alternative Service Book since November 1980, but no detailed, authoritative commentary has appeared until now. This companion is the work of Dr Ronald Jasper, Chairman of the Liturgical Commission which prepared the ASB, and Dr Paul Bradshaw, one of Britain's leading authorities on the history of liturgy. Together they have produced not only a lively and informative commentary on the text of the ASB, but also a major work of scholarship in its own right. In writing their commentary, the authors have followed the order of the ASB. Each section of commentary is preceded by an historical introduction, which provides invaluable background information on the text. The place and function of the ASB in the life and worship of the Church of England is indicated, particularly in relation to earlier Prayer Books, and the relationships of the ASB to liturgical development elsewhere, both Anglican and non Anglican, is also noted.