Carthusian Spirituality: The Writings of Hugh of Balma and Guigo de Ponte (Classics of Western Spirituality) [Paperback]

Guigo de Ponte (Author), Hugh of Balma (Author), Dennis D. Martin (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Review

In the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, the Carthusians filled the role played in the 10th and 11th centuries by the Clunaic network, in the 12th century by the Cistercians, and in the 13th century by the Franciscans and Dominicans: Western Christendom's most outstanding professional intercessors before God's throne. Founded in the late 22th century, a few years before the Cistercians, the Carthusians grew very slowly during their first two centuries but were highly respected from the beginning. They inspired, among others, Bernad of Clairvaux, William of St. Thierry, Aelred of Rievaulx, and Peter the Venerable. Hugh of Balma and Guigo de Ponte, whose writings make up Christian Spirituality are situated at the end of the 13th century, just before the order's flourishing growth of the 14th century. The mysterious author known as "Hugh of Balma" may have influenced the 1eth century "Cloud of Unknowing" and cerntainly had a great impact on Catholic spirituality in the 16th and following centuries, especially, but not exclusively, in Spain. Guigo de Ponte's writings, by indirect route, influenced Ignatious of Loyola. Christian Spirituality is translated and introduced by Dennis D. Martin. Christian Spirituality is an important contribution to the history of Catholic thought and monastic life. -- Midwest Book Review

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 359 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press; 1st Ed. edition (November 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809136643
• ISBN-13: 978-0809136643
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,203,503 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars universality of the deity, June 8, 2009

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Michael C. Fortin - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Carthusian Spirituality: The Writings of Hugh of Balma and Guigo de Ponte (Classics of Western Spirituality) (Paperback)

I reviewed this book before, I think I might have upset a few people. Sorry, I have a tendency not to consider other people's points of view. Anyway,this is a great book on Catholic (Universal) spirituality. It's just one of the many avenues one can study to find where they can get some good tips on contemplation. These monks have been called the elite of the church. I think I can understand why. The simplicity of this work is great with no coloration. I'll admit, there are a few fifty dollar words I have to look up, probably due to lack of an education. These contemplatives, from what I've read about them, follow the ways of the early desert fathers. Community is stressed, but a lot of time is spent alone in reading and meditation. They have my respect. Anyone who is looking for a great work on their spirituality, should find this a great book. It has improved my walk with less talk.

5.0 out of 5 stars Contemplation & the Bride, August 25, 2011

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Mathmania (Colorado) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Carthusian Spirituality: The Writings of Hugh of Balma and Guigo de Ponte (Classics of Western Spirituality) (Hardcover)

In this book, Hugh of Balma presents an in-depth way of looking at the Lord's prayer from the Bride's viewpoint, while Guigo presents and compares the two methods for approaching contemplation: Speculative and Anagogical, in a way that is fairly easy to understand, yet provides food for a lifetime of practice.

For those who are dedicated to prayer and some form of self-denial, these writings contain some very useful explanations, and are easier to assimilate than St. John of the Cross' writings.