The Circling Year contains some of the words spoken by Ronald Blythe in the group of parish churches along the Essex bank of the River Stour which he serves not only as a Reader in the Church of England, but as the local writer expected to add his own distinctive voice.

Originating as addresses given at Matins or Evensong, they follow various paths into old and new liturgies, literature and the local countryside. They bring together the author's delight in language, his recollections of farming, his recognition of friends and neighbour's and the hopes he has found in faith.

With stories, poetry and humour, The Circling Year encourages us to turn aside every now and again from the constant activity of our days and hear the wisdom of the ages.