Thomas Merton: Selected Essays

"This remarkable collection gives us Merton at his very best . . ." --Christopher Pramuk, author, Sophia: The Hidden Christ of Thomas Merton

"Simply put, this volume is a treasure!" --Christine M. Bochen, editor, Thomas Merton: Essential Writings

Thomas Merton, Trappist monk, was one of the greatest spiritual writers of the twentieth century. His published works include a hundred volumes in many genres. But, it was perhaps in the essay form that Merton found his natural element. This volume is the first to provide a broad cross-section of Merton's work as an essayist, collecting characteristic examples of his astonishing output and the range of his interests--from Faulkner and Zen to nuclear war and the contemplative life.

Patrick F. O'Connell is professor in the department of English and theology at Gannon University, Erie, Pennsylvania. A founding member and former president of the International Thomas Merton Society, he edits The Merton Seasonal and is coauthor of The Thomas Merton Encyclopedia.