Liturgy of the Hours (4-Volume Set) - Complete English Edition

In this review of the Liturgy of the Hours (4-Volume Set) the verdict is straightforward: this is the complete, official English edition for anyone committed to praying the Divine Office regularly. The set is aimed at clergy, religious, and laypeople who want the full, approved translation from the International Commission on English in the Liturgy presented in a durable, user-friendly package. The single biggest reason to buy is that it contains all four volumes plus the St. Joseph Guide and inserts, making it a practical, attractive and economical way to adopt the Office in daily life.

Key Features

• Complete official translation: The four volumes contain the approved English edition, so users have the full text of the Liturgy of the Hours in one set.
• Guide included: The current St. Joseph Guide for the Liturgy of the Hours is included to help new and experienced users navigate the Office with clarity.
• Printed in two colors: Two-color printing improves readability of antiphons and rubrics, which helps when praying aloud or following complex prayers.
• Durable binding: Flexible simulated leather covers, ribbon markers and a gold-stamped spine make the set sturdy and suitable for daily use.
• Handy inserts: Inserts for the Liturgy of the Hours are supplied to assist with seasonal or supplemental material without altering the main volumes.

Who It's For

This set is ideal for priests, deacons, religious, lay ministers, and devout laypeople who pray the Divine Office daily or want a reliable, complete reference for communal or private prayer. The included St. Joseph Guide makes it suitable for those transitioning from simpler prayerbooks to a full breviary, and the ribbon markers and clear printing help those who pray in community settings.

Those who want a single-volume, pocket edition or a digital-only version should look elsewhere, since this is a four-volume printed set that favors durability and completeness over portability. If someone prefers modern paraphrase or a devotional digest rather than the official texts, this set may be more than they need.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Contains the full, approved English translation, so readers are working from the official text.
• The St. Joseph Guide and inserts make the set approachable for novices and useful for reference.
• Quality production with two-color printing, ribbon markers and simulated leather delivers a prayerful aesthetic and durability.
• Excellent value for the price when the included guide and inserts are considered.

Cons

• As a four-volume printed set it is less portable than single-volume or digital alternatives.

Specifications

Title	Liturgy of the Hours (4-Volume Set)
Edition	Official English translation approved by ICEL
Includes	All four volumes, St. Joseph Guide, Inserts for the Liturgy of the Hours
Binding	Flexible simulated leather with gold-stamped spine
Printing	Two-color printing with stained page edging
Extras	Ribbon markers and card set included

Our Verdict

The Liturgy of the Hours 4-volume set is the right choice for anyone seeking the complete, official English Office in a well-made printed format. It pairs authoritative text with practical extras like the St. Joseph Guide and inserts, making it both accessible and durable; overall it represents strong value for those committed to regular liturgical prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the set include a guide to using the Office?
Yes, it includes the current St. Joseph Guide for the Liturgy of the Hours to help users navigate the texts.

Is this the official English translation?
Yes, the set contains the translation approved by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy.

Are there markers or aids for regular use?
The volumes include ribbon markers, inserts for supplemental material, and two-color printing to improve readability.