This American book follows on from an earlier work entitled The Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counselling. It is a useful reference work for the pastor and the counsellor, but is not a book for the fireside. There are several sections to the book, namely - Definitions; a series of short monographs briefly describing a variety of pastoral care methods and concepts. History and Biography; brief articles on a number of well-known people, movements and philosophies who or which have contributed to the body of knowledge on care and counselling in a pastoral context. Issues of Power and Difference includes some useful descriptions of the viewpoints of different groups and faiths of the subject, which are particularly helpful in a pluralistic society. Chapter 4, on Interfaith Issues and Methods, provides useful information about several different faiths, including but not limited to Islam and Judaism. I believe that the evangelist seeking to relate to someone from these faiths will find some helpful knowledge here. Clinical Method examines a number of frequently-encountered practical situations and may provide helpful guidance to the pastor or counsellor who encounters such scenarios. The monographs provide some valuable information, the different authors each have their own literary style which gives the book a slight feeling of discontinuity. The book is very much orientated towards the American scene and makes very little reference to British contributors to care and counselling. Often when I read a Christian book I am aware, in a difficult to describe way, of God's presence, like someone being present even though they may not speak or do anything. But with this book I haven't felt that. At the same time, I sometimes have felt that He was standing at the door.