edited by Thomas P. McDonnell
Published in 1989 by Image Books
Summary: The original version of this book was published in 1962 and covered the writings of Merton from the late thirties up through sixty-two. The editors of this revised addition have included writings from the period closer to Merton's death in 1968. It is organized into seven parts that in essence tell a practical and theological autobiography of Merton's life. It begins before he ever entered the monastery and includes some of the writings that really capture how he was feeling about life, both the good and the bad. It continues as he feels himself being drawn towards the spiritual and contemplative and moves on to him entering the Gethsemane Abby in Bardstown, Kentucky. The writings then explore his mentors and some of his doctrinal understandings and even includes a foray into an attempt at understanding love. The last two sections are about his belief as to why the contemplative life is best for him and then his understanding of some of the things of God as has been revealed to him through the contemplative life. This version includes an introduction by M. Scott Peck.
Review: I ordered this book with a desire to get a comprehensive overview of the writings of Merton before I jumped into some of his specific titles. I was not disappointed. I have used this book over the last year as part of my quiet time, reading a few pages each day. Sometimes prose, sometimes poetry, sometimes correspondence, but always engaging. Merton is a brilliant writer, but more than that he has an incredible understanding of God and of the importance of us having a thriving relationship with God. It is this understanding that he so passionately communicates in his writings. While he is unabashedly Catholic in his Christian theology, he is not afraid to consider the merits that other denominations and even other religions have to offer his quest to go deeper in God. Nor is he afraid to reveal some of his faults, short comings and the challenges he has faced over the years. The editor has done a marvelous job of grouping his writings under a theological/biographical framework that drives the reader forward through the book. One is anxious to read more and grasp a firmer understanding of Merton's position on certain things and the fact that this discontinuous group of writings is grouped in this thematic way makes that desire a reality.
Reading Recommendation: Yes, this is a comprehensive collection of Merton works that will serve as a great introduction to his writing. A good start for anyone interested in reading Merton.
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