Thomas Merton: A Life in Letters: The Essential Collection - Softcover

Merton, Thomas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1594712565 ISBN 13: 9781594712562

Publisher: Ave Maria Press, 2010

Synopsis

Now available in paperback, this expert distillation of Thomas Merton's letters offers a glimpse into the mind and heart of this fascinating monk, mystic, poet, and prophet as he writes to a variety of friends and acquaintances, including Pope John XXIII, Jackie Kennedy, Dorothy Day, and Thich Nhat Hanh.

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was one of the most influential spiritual writers of modern times. A Trappist monk, peace and civil rights activist, and widely-praised literary figure, Merton was renowned for his pioneering work in contemplative spirituality, his quest to understand Eastern thought and integrate it with Western spirituality, and his firm belief in Christian activism. His autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, is the defining spiritual memoir of its time, selling over one million copies and translating into over fifteen languages.

Merton was also one of the most prolific and provocative letter writers of the twentieth century. His letters (those written both by him and to him), archived at the Thomas Merton Studies Center at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, number more than ten thousand. For Merton, letters were not just a vehicle for exchanging information, but his primary means for initiating, maintaining, and deepening relationships. Letter-writing was a personal act of self-revelation and communication. His letters offer a unique lens through which we relive the spiritual and social upheavals of the twentieth century, while offering wisdom that is still relevant for our world today.

About this title

About the Author:

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was a Trappist monk, writer, and peace and civil rights activist. Merton's works have had a profound impact on contemporary religious and philosophical thought. He is best known for his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain and New Seeds of Contemplation.

Review:

"Merton's letters, like all his teachings, prod us to wake up, look to Christ, practice the Advent disciplines of peace, hope, and nonviolence, and do what we can to welcome the coming of Christ and his gift of peace on earth." --Rev. John Dear, S.J., National Catholic Reporter

"A lot of my spiritual seeking began with Thomas Merton. He is an incredible source of light, comfort, and humor." --Anne Lamott, Author of Traveling Mercies

"It's now apparent that Merton, already celebrated as an autobiographer and Christian contemplative, was also one of the great American letter writers of the century." ----Kirkus Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Ave Maria Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1594712565
• ISBN 13: 9781594712562
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 418
• Editor: Shannon William H, Bochen Christine M