Something of a Rebel: Thomas Merton His Life and Works : An Introduction

Rating:
Summary: the best introduction to Merton
Review: I've been reading a lot of stuff by or about Thomas Merton lately. I have to say that this is the best introduction to Merton that I have yet to find. I'm not saying this is the best Merton biography--there are a surplus of wonderful books about this amazing monk (Pennington's book and some of Shannon's other works spring to mind)--what I'm saying is this is the best introduction for those wanting to jump into the study of Merton.

Something of a Rebel is broken up into four main sections:

The first section is a very readable, as well as entertaining, biography of Merton. This is broken up into two sections itself: the pre- and post monastic years of Merton's life. This part is most skillfully told by Shannon who himself proves to be a talented and interesting author.

The second and smallest section of the book is an argument for why reading Merton is important today. I must say I was already convinced coming into the argument...but Shannon makes a clear and forceful case for reading Merton all the same.

The third section is a walk through a "gallery" of Merton's most prominent themes... This too is very entertainingly written. It engages the reader in admirable fashion while dealing with subject matter that could have come off as "dry."

The book concludes with a section on how to begin reading Merton's work for oneself. It discusses which of Merton's works are most important as well as what Merton thought of his own books. This is a useful tool. Merton's corpus of work is huge--a veritable raging sea of paper. Shannon shows where it is best to set sail.

Something of a Rebel is an excellent introduction to Thomas Merton and his works. William Shannon has done a service to all those interested in Thomas Merton. I recommend this book.