This is a feast for theologians, historians and Christian counselors. Pietsch examines 21 of Luther s letters of comfort to explore Luther s pastoral care for souls suffering with depression. Pietsch uses interdisciplinary tools of inquiry artfully to examine the letters, Luther s pastoral care approaches and the history of the melancholy tradition . The practice of seelsorge emerges as an amalgam of art, spiritual gift, and understanding of affliction, all resting comfortably within the authority of scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Pietsch s volume is a significant contribution to...