Thomas Merton: Spiritual Master : The Essential Writings

Rating:
Summary: Distilled Merton
Review: I read this book as a Graduate Theology student. It was part of a semester course on Thomas Merton. Lawrence Cunningham did a great job compiling this anthology.

Because Merton was incredibly prolific, it's hard to know where to start--so many books, so many topics. Merton wrote on prayer, contemplation, solitude, war, monasticism, art, etc.

I recommend this book as a starting point You can read this anthology and go off in various directions depending on your particular Merton area of interest.

Additionally, Cunningham's introduction is worth the price of the book. He is an astute scholar of Merton and brings much wisdom to Merton's life and writing.

If you like Thomas Merton, buy this book. You won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: extremely positive
Review: The editor chose most wisely--"Thomas Merton:Spiritual Master:The Essential Writings" is an excellent overview of Merton's writing. The book has great appeal to someone who has never read Merton, or to someone quite familiar with his works.The bibliography included is fantastic. Cunningham's work is a lovely and compelling piece of scholarship.