Zobel provides an analysis of Charles Ives' Third Symphony, based on his doctoral dissertation from 2005, with three new chapters. He argues that the symphony is a pivotal work in Ives' oeuvre and discusses how it borrows from hymn tunes, uses religious symbolism and organ-like techniques, and conveys memories of an outdoor revival. In addition, he describes how Ives uses new harmonic and orchestration techniques, as well as critical reception of the work, its historical context, and the traditions of the symphony and musical borrowing. Appendices of reviews of the premiere and excerpts from characterizations of the symphony are included.