Spiritual Journey Press
P.O Box 3041, Mercerville, NJ 08619 USA
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P.O Box 3041, Mercerville, NJ 08619 USA
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Books By and About Thomas Merton For your convenience (since many of these books may not be readily available in your local bookstore), I have directly linked each book to its page at Amazon.com; just click its picture and you can order in no time! Spiritual Journey Press is an associate of Amazon.com. Thomas Merton is arguably the most influential spirituality writer of the twentieth century. His erudition, passion, creativity and willingness to reveal himself through journals and poetry have endeared him to thousands of readers. Merton can speak to subjects as diverse as classical Christian spiritual masters, modern political issues (civil rights, war, communism and nuclear arms), and the dialogue between Eastern religions and Christianity. A Short List of Recommended Books by Merton A. Merton's Journals and Poetry The Seven Storey Mountain is Merton's first published journal and the best way to begin one's journey with this prolific writer. It will take you up to his entrance into Gethsemeni Monastery in Kentucky. In the next journal, The Sign of Jonas, Merton's initial enthusiasm and naivete begin to confront the reality of life as a Trappist. Five later journals have been published, taking us to the end of his life. The most controversial, Learning to Love (vol. 6), chronicles Merton's struggle with human love and solitude. Besides the journals, Merton wrote thousands of letters to a veritable pantheon of luminaries. I enjoyed Shannon's collection, The Hidden Ground of Love.
Can a spiritual master, scholar and mystic be a good poet? Merton was prolific, and enjoyed experimenting with different literary styles and photography. He knew that different forms of communication speak to the soul and mind in different ways.
B. Merton's Teachings Merton wrote so extensively that it is possible to be overwhelmed with the breadth of his interests. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy him so thoroughly; too many modern writers are so parochial in their vision. After reading Merton's first two journals, I would recommend Life and Holiness, The Wisdom of the Desert (a collection of monastic episodes which makes a great devotional aid), Seasons of Celebration (essays on spirituality based on the church calendar). Love and Living is an interesting complement to Learning to Love, while The Ascent to Truth is Merton's attempt to explain St. John of the Cross; people not familiar with John should not attempt this book. For those who wish to sample the full range of Merton's views in a single volume, I would recommend A Thomas Merton Reader.
Book Description (from
Amazon.com): Thomas Merton's final book explores the meaning and
daily practice of contemplation -- the heart of monastic and religious
experience. This is his most comprehensive work on the subject. And now, the
Merton Legacy Trust has decided to produce this expertly edited treatment, which
Merton was finishing at the time of his death. The Inner Experience is a major
addition to the Merton canon.
Book Description (from Amazon.com): Now Merton is also revealed as a man whose spirituality is rooted in nature, an environmentalist ahead of his time. His writings on nature serve as a primer on eco-spirituality. He approaches ecology as a spiritual issue, one that exposes the degree of human alienation from the sacredness of the planet. When The Trees Say Nothing gathers for the first time over 300 of Merton's nature writings, grouping them thematically into sections on the seasons, elements, creatures and other topics. Edited by Merton scholar Kathleen Deignan, the collection is cohesive and accessible, drawing from both Merton's public writings and his recently published private journals. The lyrical writings are enhanced with Deignan's own informative Introduction, along with a Foreword by Thomas Berry, renowned spiritual mentor for the environmental movement.
Advent and Christmas With Thomas Merton by Thomas Merton. This volume is essentially a Merton sampler and as such serves well as an Advent devotional. If you haven't tackled Merton's writings yet, this would be a good place to start. For Merton's other books, see our special page devoted to him.
Survival or Prophecy?: The Letters of Thomas Merton and Jean Leclercq "Two monks in conversation about the meaning of life and the nature of solitude. Thomas Merton, the American Trappist monk who wrote The Seven Storey Mountain, spent his entire literary career (1948- 68) in a cloistered monastery in Kentucky. His great counterpart, the French Benedictine monk Jean Leclercq, spent those years traveling relentlessly to and from monasteries worldwide, trying to bring about a long-needed reform and renewal of Catholic life." (from Amazon.com web site). From Lee: Personally, I've come to appreciate reading the correspondence of great and thoughtful people. Merton's letters are always worth pondering.
Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton Thoughtful and eloquent, as timely (or timeless) now as when it was originally published in 1956, Thoughts in Solitude addresses the pleasure of a solitary life, as well as the necessity for quiet reflection in an age when so little is private. Thomas Merton writes: "When society is made up of men who know no interior solitude it can no longer be held together by love: and consequently it is held together by a violent and abusive authority."
C. A Short List of Books about Merton
We'd love to have your response to this book list! To share your thoughts, join SJP's new web-based discussion forum - Journey Explorations. Or, to provide personal feedback, click here: article feedback
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