Rating: 
Summary: An Insight Into The Mystical
Review: "The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross" consists of the writings of this 16th century Spanish Mystic and Doctor of the Church. St. John was a Carmelite friar and friend of St. Theresa of Avila. A valued spiritual counselor, many of his works were written as instruction to religious who sought his guidance.The book consists of four major works and many minor works. The major works are "The Ascent of Mount Carmel", "The Dark Night", "The Spiritual Canticle" and "The Living Flame of Love". Each of the major works consists of a poem, written by St. John, and an extensive, word by word, explanation. In the explanation, St. John reveals his own theology, supported by verses from Scripture. The minor works consist of letters written to his contemporaries as well as a collection of St. John's poetry. This is definitely not light reading. The reader must concentrate on his the text in order to appreciate what he is reading. I am glad that I read it from two perspectives. From an historical perspective, it provides the reader with a good introduction into the world of mystical writing. More importantly, from a spiritual perspective, this book gives the reader an insight into God's call to all Christians to draw themselves more closely to Himself. The spirit of this book is difficult to explain. It is a classical book which is better experienced than described.
Rating: 
Summary: Overwhelming in its Depth
Review: As many fools as there are in the Catholic faith, one cannot deny that it has produced some of the world's greatest mystics: Bl. Henry Suso, St. Teresa of Avila, Archbishop Francois Fenelon, Bl. Ruysbroeck, Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa, St. Catherine of Genoa, Thomas Kempis, St. Augustine, the writers of the Theologica Germanica and the Cloud of Unknowing, St. Catherine of Siena, Thomas Merton, and of course, St. John of the Cross! -- a man that this book of his collected works exults in all his holiness and insight. A central theme I've noticed throughout the collected works of St. John of the Cross is his insightful circumspection, marked by a humility which few people ever attain to. With regards to this subtle element of his spiritual genius, this book is certainly a "safe" read in every way imaginable, for we are being guided by a master. After reading this, I can honestly say that few people among the Christian Mystics could ever rival St. John in terms of discernment and mystical theology.
Rating:
Summary: Anyone who is serious about prayer must read this!
Review: At a time when so many who write about the spiritual life and prayer are writing "fluff" and "feel good" spirituality, St. John of the Cross is a "tell it like it is" kinda man. HIs writings will truly help everyone from the beginning stages to the ultimate depths of intimacy with God. But be forwarned, his is not an easy way from human standpoints! His writings will challenge, help, exhort, inspire, and guide everyone into the depths of the most important relationship--the one with God. This particular translation of St. John's is probably the best one out there. It is faithful to the sense of the original spanish, but written in modern English! I strongly encourage everyone to read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross
Review: In general, it's a book worth having because it includes his Sayings of Light and Love and his letters as well as his poetry and his major works: Ascent of Mt. Carmel, The Dark Night, the Spiritual Canticle and The Living Flame of Love. My complaint has to do with the very prosaic nature of the translations. The abovementioned major works in this edition are written in academic American English. Even the layout screams "textbook." I first came upon John's major works online, on a site called "Ethereal Library." I read The Dark Night and Ascent .. in translations that captured a much greater sense of John's poetry and mysticism, as well as a sense of his own time and place in slightly (but not overwhelmingly) archaic language, where even the layout suggested more a long prose-poem than academic text. That other version was flavorful, glowing and delicious and, after reading it, I fell in love with St. John of the Cross. Had I read this rather dry, textbook-style version first, I probably would have dismissed St. John as boring and difficult. For someone already familiar with St. John of the Cross, however, this book definitely offers examples of his thought and writing not normally available.
Rating:
Summary: This is a wonderful book to own.
Review: St. John of the Cross is one of the most famous mystics in the Catholic Church, as well as the world. He was a Carmelite priest, and lived - and suffered - in 16th century Spain, along with the equally famous Teresa of Avila (the two had great admiration for each other). He left behind a body of work that is classic in mystical literature - maxims on the spiritual life, instructions as to preparation, purification and ascent to God (The Ascent of Mount Carmel), the perils and trials of the spiritual life (The Dark Night of the Soul), and fruition and union with God (The Living Flame of Love and The Spiritual Canticle). His depth of thought, the profundity of his knowledge of God, and the beauty of his poetic writings rank him as a master in the mystical life. He uses, at times, difficult and verbose descriptions (certainly deep), which should not frighten off someone willing to read his writings. One must appreciate the fact that each saint has their own language on these matters, and that it is filtered through their personality, so while his "stages" may not perfectly match Teresa of Avila's (or any other saint's), the truth in the background is what counts, and is edifying, inspiring and illuminating. He is, today, a master teacher and model in spiritual matters, which go from leading an upright life, to purification (by God) of one's life, to trials (the dark night) meant to purify us, strengthen our faith and instruct us, to fruition and union with God, always stating that it is God's will as to His dealings with souls, so no two people can expect exactly the same paths, experiences or, even, necessarily, outcomes. Concerning this, he gives advice, warning, and illumination as to temptations, dangers, and expectations. I recommend his writings for their holiness, their helpfulness, and their sheer beauty, and counsel potential readers not to be frightened off by their "apparent" obtuseness.
Rating:
Summary: Overwhelming in its Depth
Review: St. John of the Cross, a friend and contemporary of St. Teresa of Avila, was a sixteenth-century Carmelite monk. He possessed unparalleled vision and wisdom about the Carmelite experience, the "way of unknowing" that leads to our all-knowing God. His writings are challenging, wherever a person may be on his/her spiritual journey, but they are bounteously rewarding to the dedicated reader. The human heart does not change, and you will be surprised how much the people of the 1500s resemble the people of 2004; you will also nod in agreement and amazement at the extreme accuracy of St. John's observations. Highly recommended to anyone interested in developing a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.
Rating:
Summary: Aim of the spiritual life is perfect union with God/love
Review: The collected works of St. John of the Cross are: "The Ascent of Mount Carmel" ; " The Dark Night"; "The Spiritual Canticle"; " The Living Flame ofLove"; " The Minor Works"; "Poetry". This collection gives to us all the writings of St.John of the Cross at a cost which is considerably less than buying them individually. St.John of the Cross was a Doctor of the Church and spiritual director to St. Teresa of Avila. All of his works were written in the last 14 years of his life between the age of 36-49 in the years 1578-1591.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect, maybe too perfect
Review: The collected works of St. John of the Cross have been central to my own search for (or attempt to establish)a deep and authentic spiritual life. Because John is further removed than I realized twenty years ago from our current social context, it is very possible to misunderstand John in one way or another. His guidance is essentially flawless, but his parlance can be misunderstood. To remedy this in part, I obtained his collected works in the original Spanish. That has turned out to be helpful. While the translation is careful and correct, it necessarily fails to preserve the tone of the original in many specific contexts. To my own "ear" for prose, John actually speaks in a less sophisticated voice than the translator gives him. I find that voice easier to understand. My "bottom line" is that any interested person should definitely buy this book and read it thoroughly, but be quite careful to understand it in the original context. I know of no more difficult (or rewarding) book to read with actual insight.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect, maybe too perfect
Review: The collected works of St. John of the Cross have been central to my own search for (or attempt to establish)a deep and authentic spiritual life. Because John is further removed than I realized twenty years ago from our current social context, it is very possible to misunderstand John in one way or another. His guidance is essentially flawless, but his parlance can be misunderstood. To remedy this in part, I obtained his collected works in the original Spanish. That has turned out to be helpful. While the translation is careful and correct, it necessarily fails to preserve the tone of the original in many specific contexts. To my own "ear" for prose, John actually speaks in a less sophisticated voice than the translator gives him. I find that voice easier to understand. My "bottom line" is that any interested person should definitely buy this book and read it thoroughly, but be quite careful to understand it in the original context. I know of no more difficult (or rewarding) book to read with actual insight.
Rating:
Summary: More than worth it
Review: This book contains many profound things. St. John writes of the path to union with God. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in prayer or contemplation. St. John is unique in his combination of intellectual honesty, sound thought, fervent belief, and lack of self-awareness in writing. The lessons in this book are not easy; but they are intensely beautiful and true. I encourage every one of you to buy and read this book. Then read it again. It is more than worth it.
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