EXTERNALS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH answers not only the who? what? how? and when? but especially the why? behind each phenomenon of Catholic custom and usage. In 1918 the Church completed her vast codification of Canon Law. Then the Liturgical Movement, following Blessed Pius X's impetus, gained new momentum, completely transforming the attitude of the faithful towards their official forms of worship. Likewise, the role of the laity in the life of the Church has developed apace. Thus a thorough renovation of the book was indicated.
In his revision Father O'Leary, a pastor, Newman Club chaplain, and author of Fundamental Rubrics, has recast and modernized this standard handbook without losing the graceful style that helped popularize the original.