"This two-volume collection detailing the history and background of the complete hymns in Lutheran Service Book will be well-received by those who have been expecting a companion resource since the publication of LSB. The essays on the hymns and biographies of the personalities will be of interest to anyone who has wondered why and when hymns were written. Theological and scriptural background of the hymns as well as practical advice for selecting and performing hymns will appeal to pastors, church musicians, and worship planners. The authoritative historical notes will be seen as a must-have resource for hymnologists, musicologists, scholars, and librarians, and the collection will make an ideal textbook for hymnody and church music courses. Volume 1 will provide for every hymn: text and tune background, theological and scriptural discussion, usage advice, and exhaustive historical details of original sources. Volume 2 will have biographies for all hymn authors and composers as well as twenty essays providing a survey of hymnody and extensive indices and appendices"--