Thomas P. McDonnell

This large collection of excerpts, chosen with input from Thomas Merton, is more than introduction to his work but would work as a reader for someone not familiar with the incredible scope and productivity of the late Fr. Louis. The grouping principal escapes me but it is effective, each piece or poem playing off against its neighbors to mutually highlight their subject matter, eloquence and the development of Merton's spiritual insight and vision. The one criticism I have is that this collection includes almost none of Merton's work, some of it censored at the time, about issues of war and peace; over the years, Merton's influence on Catholic thinking about these issues has grown, so it would have been useful to include some more of them. Overall, this is a great collection, a reminder of what a gift Merton is to us all.… (meer)

I can't remember what piqued my interest in Thomas Merton, but I'm glad it was so piqued. This volume contains bits and pieces from across the spectrum of his writing, and is, so far as I know, a good introduction. It has certainly made me want to read more of his work. What is most valuable here is the complete image of Merton from his feckless youth to a measured and intense maturity.

Standouts for me: "Fire Watch, July 4, 1952," "Christian Culture Needs Oriental Wisdom," "Prometheus: A Meditation," "Two Asian Letters."… (meer)