Customer Reviews

The Abbey of Gethsemani: Place of Peace and Paradox (150 Years in the Life of America's Oldest Trappist Monastery)

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The Abbey of Gethsamani was the first Trappist monastery in the USA,brought over by French monks in the mid 1800's. It was, of course most famous as the home of the late thomas merton[fr. Louis, o.c.s.o},author of the 7 storey Mountain and over 70 other books, diaries etc. it is through Merton that most of us heard first of this place located in the hills of Kentucky.Ms. Aprile has, along with the abbey's collection of photographs and articles, put together a simply beautiful book. there is so much more here tehn the late great Fr. Merton. The periods are divided into the various abbots tenures,leading up to the near present and Abbot Timothy Kelly{who resinged as abbot last winter} The history of not only the monastery and its environs is told, but more, the history of American Catholicism is here. Every major catholic figure,ecclisiastic or secular made their way through Gethsemaniat one point,and much of it is chronicled here. the photos are wonderful and evocative, the care taken with this book is evident throughout.the book itself is handsome to hold, the pages of fine quality,heavy bonded paper,the photos crisp and clear. A very well done book, highest quality highly, hugely recommended.

As editor of the Thomas Merton Site, I receive many books about Merton. The Abbey of Gethsemani tops them all. Its description of monastic life is unequalled! Using the theme of Abbots that have led the Abbey since 1848, one senses the spectacular holiness of the place. On December 21, 1998, I went to the 150th anniversary of the Abbey. Since I had just completed Dianne Aprile's book it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. A Holy Book to be Treasured!

About a month ago, I visited The Abbey of Gethsemani for what I officially said was a retreat, but like so many people who have visited the abbey, I loved THE SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN and wanted to see where Thomas Merton lived and wrote. The tourist in me wanted to see Merton's hermitage, which I did not see. It was in use at the time-the nerve of those monks for actually using it for the intended purpose. Well, I didn't have to see the hermitage to experience the special qualities that make Gethsemani a place like no other. History, tradition, beauty, simplicity and complexity all combine to create the spiritual life at Gethsemani where God's presence is found.

Dianne Aprile's book is a coffee table sized book that tells the story of Gethsemani, the good as well as the not so good. We see a monastery that survived against the odds, hit its peak during the years of Thomas Merton, and still has a mission and purpose today. The book is somewhat sanitized in comparison with other works available, but unlike many of the other works which tell of visits to Gethsemani, the author was writing an official history of the Abbey for its one hundred and fiftieth had unprecedented access to photographs and documents which makes this book indispensable for anyone interested in Trappist life in general and especially to people interested in the Abbey itself. The book begins with a general introduction to the Trappist life and then tells the history of Gethsemani during each abbot's governance of the abbey. We see how the life in the abbey in many ways reflects life in the United Stets and the fabric of Catholicism in America.

I read most of the book while I was at Gethsemani so I could ask questions and discover the behind the scenes story. I finished it when I got back home and since that time I've reread passages as a means of revisiting the monastery, if not in person, at least vicariously. I'm sure I'll treasure this book in years to come and encourage anyone with even a remote interest in Trappist life to consider this book.

A great book! Not at all a "book about Thomas Merton", as the person casually acquainted with Merton and Gethsemani might expect. Rather, this book tells the history of Gethsemani, of which Merton was just a part. This book works well as a coffeetable book, a bedtime read, or a material for quiet contemplation. All in all, a beautiful book, well made, well written, and fun to browse or read.

Having been a frequent visitor to the Abbey for many years, I was cheered by Ms. Aprile's intelligent and insightful history. I first visited in the late 50's, when my uncle was one of the monks. Years later, I discovered that the round-faced monk who held me on his knee was Thomas Merton. Aprile's book brought back a flood of memories of those days. A beautiful achievement!

History of the 150-year-old Trappist Monastery in Kentucky, just 40 miles south of Louisville. Made world-famous by its most famous monk, Thomas Merton, who died in Bangkok. Full of archival pictures. Beautiful, coffee table type book, but not too well-written. Confusing at times. Aprile tended to not always be cohesive; she rather jumped around a lot. Am so sorry they did away with the farm. Poignant remark by its current abbot, that the celibate life needs something to care for. It did propell me to spend a week there last summer, and what a wonderful place it is. I need not worry about its survival; you must call four months in advance to go there on retreat.

Being a native of Bardstown, Kentucky, I immediately got hold of the first copy of this book I could find. I am a video production editor for a local television station in Bardstown and have always been much aware of Gethsemani. However, this book has provided with much information that I never before was aware of. Thanks to the author for writing and putting this book together. It is beautifully done. And for anyone who hasn't ever been to Gethsemani, come on down and experience it for you'll never forget it... -John A. Coulter

This coffeetable book about the history of the Abbey of Gethsemani, the nation's largest and oldest Trappist monastery, is a marvelous resource for anyone interested in the monastery's history. Aprile puts a human face on that history, looking at the human people who built and loved the Abbey from its inception. We hear tales of tremendous courage and faith, but also read about some of the all-too-human flaws of Gethsemani's leaders, including a turn-of-the-century sex scandal involving the Abbey school (now defunct).

The photographs and illustrations are wonderful, stretching back to the monastery's earliest days in the 1840s. These photos give readers access to areas of the Abbey that are off-limits to visitors and retreatants.

I very much liked the way Aprile weaves her own experiences with the Abbey into the book. It's obvious that she is not only a researcher but also a pilgrim who loves the place and its people. She writes with a journalist's eye for detail and a historian's careful depiction of change over time. (In the case of this monastery, the changes over the last 150 years are astonishing.)

Another thing I liked about the book is that while Thomas Merton is certainly discussed, it's not the all-Merton-all-the-time approach that some other authors have taken to Gethsemani. She puts Merton in historical context as part of the postwar Catholic boom, discusses his writings and his complex relationship with his abbot, and leaves it at that. Merton would have liked this: to be one among the many monks who is billed as making a contribution to Gethsemani, but who is not singled out as a lone star.

A terrific book for those who love this place.

I have been going on retreat at the Cistercian-Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky for 39 years. It is also the monastery where the famous spiritual writer, Thomas Merton (Frather Louis) lived. The place is a place of peace and prayer. The book, The Abbey of Gethsemani: Place of Peace and Paradox, tells the story of this monastery, over 150 years old. The monks still begin prayers at 3:15 a.m. with Matins and conclude their day with Compline at 7:30 p.m. Why is this place a paradox? I think because they live a lifestyle so different than most of us and yet share our human condition of joys and sufferings. They must work to support themselves and deal with their own problems of life. They give their lives to God, living in solitude and community. Anyone who is fascinated by the story of men who live so differently than most of us will find this a wonderful story.

Like many of the people taking a retreat to the Abbey of Gethsemani, I went in search of finding the "Heart of Thomas Merton [Father Louis O.C.S.O.]" and I found so much more than I ever imagined. I spent part of the retreat reading this wonderful book and I found more. This is a book about the Heart of Gethsemani, the Heart of Peace and the Heart of God. An excellent read which will be read again and again and again ......