With its profound insights, over three hundred chapters and more than four thousand scripture references in its eight books the Rationale Divinorum Officiorum (Rationale for the Divine Offices) stands in a class of its own. Written towards the end of the thirteenth century, the original, which was published in Latin, is the inspired opus of William Durandus, a highly regarded bishop of the time. Now, after more than seven centuries, it is possible for the English reader to discover the entire work of eight books along with an extensive index in seven volumes. However this work should not be regarded as a historical relic as the Ecclesiastical Offices have seen little change and most importantly, the spiritual foundations on which they rest are immutable. Furthermore, this work remains a primary authority on Western liturgies. Volume One of this translation contains the Author''s Preface and Book One of this work. In his Preface Durandus points to the importance of the clergy having a s
