When this little masterpiece was first published nearly thirty years ago the Liturgy of the Word did not have the central importance that Jungmann would have given it at that time, and that Vatican II has since given it. Now that time, in the shape of Vatican II's Constitution on the Liturgy, has borne him out, he has given the book those final touches that make it demonstrably post-conciliar. Jungmann familiarizes his readers with some basic liturgical facts and attitudes that show clearly why it is that the liturgical movement of Yesterday has become the liturgical revolution of today.