On Thomas Merton

From the best-selling novelist and memoirist: a deeply personal view of herdiscovery of the celebrated modern monk and thinker through his writings.Thomas Merton (1815-1968) was a Trappist monk, poet, essayist, activist, andauthor of some of the most influential spiritual writing of the 20th century. Heentered the Trappist monastery of Gethsemani in Kentucky as a young man in histwenties, seemingly abandoning the promising literary career that lay before him.But from the silent cloister in which he spent all but the last few weeks of his life,his influence spread throughout the world through his writing, primarily on topicsrelated to the spiritual life--a subject which he demonstrated to be very broadindeed. His life of dialogue led him to explore a range of contemplative practices,particularly Buddhism, and he was one of the pioneers in raising awareness inBuddhist philosophy and practice among Westerners. Mary Gordon, as a Catholic incritical dialogue with her church, came to explore Merton relatively late in her ownjourney, becoming fascinated with him through his writing, particularly as a fellowwriter. She documents her exploration of Merton though his books--the ups anddowns of the experience, areas of disagreement and sympathy, of annoyance and,ultimately, deep connection. It's a profoundly personal view of one of the greatspiritual figures of our age, by an interpreter who, while disinclined to go easy onher famous subject, reveals a great admiration and fascination with him.