There's a really complete index available on microfilm to 5000 hymnals. It was a huge volunteer project before desktop computers were around. It's 179 reels. I suspect they'd love to computerize it, but need the money. Go here for a teaser.

In terms of hymns, I just won't survive alone on that legendary desert island. I want to sing with others. Like soddy I want 3-4 part, love it a cappella. Sacred Harp, 1991 edition is my first choice.

I'm not really familiar enough with others to have a preference. I like the Episcopal Hymnal fine for church. On the island, I'll take the edition that omits the service music and includes more harmonies. What I'd really want, though is a hymnal with traditional mainstream hymns but also the old time gospel music & some of the newer stuff. Anyone familiar with the current non-denominational offerings from Zondervan or other evangelical publishers? A Baptist (Broadman?) or Methodist hymnal might do it.

One older hymnal I've been getting some mileage out of lately is "Great Songs of the Church" from the Church of Christ. I found 10 for $1 each at a library booksale a couple of years ago. About half have a 1970's appendix, the rest date to 1930's. The first half is "Gospel Songs" & there are a lot of good ones. Part 2 is 'hymns' and then there are small sections for children & special music. It includes an a cappella arrangement of the Hallelujah Chorus. The best thing, though, is that with 10 copies I can sing from it with friends.

I'd also want some word only books with meter marked so I can find words I like & fit them to tunes I know. There's a new edition of Isaac Watt's The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts out that I don't have yet. The Primitive Baptist books are small & easy to pack, Primitive Hymns, compiled by Benjamin Lloyd and one folks call Goble for it's compiler, that really titled Primitive Baptist hymn book for all lovers of sacred song.

Alex what's the style of your 4 part a cappella? Does the congregation sing in parts or just the choir? Is this unique to your congregation, or does it reflect denominational practice, which is ....?