After a year in which Eastern Europe was opened up, there has followed a year blighted by war in the Gulf. This book looks at the issues surrounding the word hope in the English language and how this relates to religion. The book also attempts to reinstate hope in the heart of the Christian doctrine and teaching. He sets out to trace the meaning of the word in its biblical context, looking at the promises made to Israel and their fulfilment in the New Testament. The second part of the book is an extended comment on Christian hope, looking at the experience of hope in the history of the church. Finally there are 31 prayers expressing hope or seeking it or God in dark times. Donald Coggan was the Bishop of Bradford and Archbishop of York before coming the Archbishop of Canterbury (1974-1989). He is the author of The Heart of the Christian Faith and The Sacrament of the Word .