The Shape of the Liturgy
This book predates the liturgical reforms that followed Vatican Two, so in some respects the book seems dated yet it is still an invaluable discussion of the origins and evolution of the Eucharistic Liturgy. Of course, I am biased: this was the first book on liturgy that I ever read on the advice of my priest and it began for me a fascination with liturgical movements. Historically, Dix' work was a major component in the Liturgical movement's attempts to return to earlier forms of the Eucharistic Liturgy.
Dix argues for a Eucharistic Prayer with four components which he sees as present through the Eucharistic Prayers of Churches in Apostolic Succession through the centuries. At the same time, he recognizes that with the Protestant Reformation, elements of the Eucharistic Prayer were downplayed in favor of other elements.
In many ways this is a ponderous read. Dix is an exacting liturgical scholar and tends to develop his points fully. Nevertheless this is a book that should be required reading for those interested in the liturgical movements predating Vatican II within the Church.
