the Intimate merton: His Life Form His Journals (

At last, Thomas Merton's complete spiritual memoir -- assembled from the most powerful, intimate, and essential passages in the critically acclaimed Merton Journals.

This memoir, composed of his most poignant and insightful journal entries, lays bare the challenges of Merton's spiritual path over a period of 29 years. Culled from the seven volumes of his personal journals, The Intimate Merton expands on the story Merton made famous in The Seven Storey Mountain.

Essential reading for everyone who loved Seven Storey Mountain but wondered how Merton's spirituality continued to evolve over the course of his life, The Intimate Merton offers his explorations of the contemplative life, his most passionate investigations into Zen and other religious traditions, and much more.

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was a Trappist monk, writer, and peace activist. His autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain (1948), was a major bestseller. Merton wrote a number of other spiritual classics, including New Seeds of Contemplation, The Sign of Jonas, and Mystics and Zen Masters.

Br. Patrick Hart, O.C.S.O., general editor of the Journals, was Merton's last secretary and has acted as the Abbey of Gethsemani's representative on Merton affairs since his death. Hart edited Volumes 1 and 7 of the Journals, Love and Living, The Monastic Journey, and several other Merton books.

Jonathan Montaldo, director of the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine College, edited Volume 2 of the Journals.

"I... rejoice in this rich volume, The Intimate Merton. It is a book I will keep by my bed for the spiritual nourishment and the pure joy in the writing." --Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes and 'Tis.