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The Cloud of Unknowing (The Classics of Western Spirituality)

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It is perhaps perfectly appropriate that the author of `The Cloud of Unknowing' is himself or herself unknown. This is a spiritual classic, a masterpiece in the real sense of the word. The style of writing is grand, well-versed and perfectly in concert with the subject; the ideas contained are some of the most sublime and inspired pieces of writing ever written in the English language. The book does not subscribe to any particular denominational or institutional framework, making it a piece of art and wisdom available to the whole of Christendom, and even appeals to those outside the formal bounds of Christianity.

In the preface to this edition by the Paulist Press, Simon Tugwell compares this work with C.S. Lewis, Plato, with other Christian mystics and theologians, with good reason. `The Cloud of Unknowing' is part of a chain, influenced by and in turn influencing many other mystical writers. This is not a work of philosophy or apologetics, as the author is not concerned to prove the existence of God or set up any sort of metaphysical framework which must be accepted. The world around us is a given, and God is a given, and our task is to order our attention and love toward God so that it incorporates and includes the reality that is around without distraction. One perhaps hears echoes of this in Tillich's ultimate concern?

One of the things that makes `The Cloud of Unknowing' a popular piece on an ongoing basis is this respect for reality. The author does not require super-human feats of contemplative power; this would be to deny the reality of the creature that we are, as God's creation. Contemplative work must be done in tandem and in cooperation with the rest of our life's needs. The virtuous life is one in accordance with nature (for the most part), making creation a blessing rather than a curse - one can hear echoes of Meister Eckhart here, perhaps; like Eckhart, the author of `The Cloud of Unknowing' also looks not for enlightenment through rational means or higher attainments but through the depths of our souls. There we will find God, for if God is all, then we can certainly not be at the centre, even of ourselves.

This edition of `The Cloud of Unknowing' begins with a scholarly introduction, as do the other volumes in this wonderful series by the Paulist Press. Unlike most other volumes, there is no `author' to highlight in a biography; while there is some virtue in not knowing the author, there has been a great deal of scholarship, both speculating on the identity of the author, and other work looking at the type of person the author would be and influences that might have impacted the author. The introduction gives some good information in this regard, not only with regard to the writer, but also to the one to whom this writing is addressed. The editors give Phyllis Hodgson's conjecture that the intended reader was not a scholar; some have believed that it was intended for a communal audience.

The main point of the writing is the development of prayer and contemplation as a discipline. There are other issues, to be sure, but they always return to this. The attainment of unity with the divine will is all important to the author; one might develop the line from the Lord's Prayer - thy kingdom come, thy will be done - as a mantra for the spirit of this book. This comes through deliberate and intentional choice, and not through artificial ascetic practices (which can be as distracting as enlightening) or intellectual pursuits (which edges toward gnosticism). Part of the development of these realistic practices is the incorporation of the chief virtues of Humility and Charity - the author of the `The Cloud' will go so far as to say that one who has these has all that is needed. Even through this, humankind cannot reach God without God's willing it to be so, and yet God has made the desire known in many ways, scripturally and traditionally, as well as in the natural world, the author of `The Cloud' would maintain.

This is an inspiring book. `The Cloud of Unknowing' itself is a relatively short work, but not one that can be read in short order, for the depth of its meaning and insights derived from it take a long time to be properly processed. Walsh's introduction and Tugwell's preface set a good stage for working with this work, which is rather foreign to most Western readers. May it be revealing to you.

This was an excellent reading of this classic in Christian spirituality. The book itself is one of the foundations of contemplative prayer and was written for the more advanced. Even for us children in contemplation it is wonderful. The only problem with this tape is that it is abridged. This is such an important book it should be available in its complete state. (Publishers please read or listen to the intiial warnings of this unknown author).

The Cloud of Unknowing is a mystical tract from 14th century England, probably written by a Carthusian monk for a young novice. The work is about contemplative prayer and the mystical union with God through the path of via negativa, or letting go of all concepts, images and ideas of God and creatures and approaching God's bare essence or Being which is veiled in mysterious darkness.

This work is one of the finest works of mystical contemplation ever composed, and contains beautiful advice and wisdom relevant to modern contemplatives.

This edition also contains a valuable introduction to the Cloud which attempts to reconcile the Cloud author's theology with that of Thomism. While the Cloud author knew Thomism, intellectual theology was not so much his concern (though he is clearly aware of it through Thomas, Richard of St Victor, and Denys the Aeropagite) but mystical union with God. This is what makes the work so powerful spiritually, as does the author's obvious deep experience of the spiritual life.

This is a great book which has helped me deepen my prayers. I tried another edition and could get nowhere. This is written in modern english. A word of advice; skim the intoduction and read the Cloud itself to get an overall sense of the book. Then reread the Cloud and all the footnotes before you tackle the introduction. Mortimer Adler said, if you want to own a book you need to read it 3 times. That is certainly the case with this and it is well worth the time. God bless.

ANYONE on a Spiritual Journey can and will benefit from studying this work. Many of the Spiritual Mystics refer to it quite often.

This book is a very friendly book, it is very readable, it does not demand a familiar knowledge of Neoplatonism to be understood. If you are interested in reading some medieval mysticism but don't know much about the backdrop that medieval mysticism was built on then I suggest this book: it is an easy and friendly book.

This book is an essential primer in the quest for God by Man! Christian Mysticism in past years has been very much misunderstood. It is time we rediscovered the treasures which have lain unseen but for a few for centuries. For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear this book is worth the reading, personal application and prominence in a library dedicated to the pursuit of God. The Cloud of Unknowing (The Classics of Western Spirituality)

what an amazing book of clear cut directions on how to experience The Creator. This anonymous monk continuously stressed experiencing God in all his magnificents, rather than theorizing and debating. He call for all ideas and conceptions to be forgotten/laid aside for a new experience in this excercise. I did not read the introduction i wasn't interested in scholarly opinion. [ "Other men may express different opinions, but experience is a true witness" Ch. XLII pg 201] without experience

This is an excellent book on contemplative prayer. I wouldn't however recommend it to anyone who hasn't read at least one other book on contemplative prayer. The author's style requires you to read the book very carefully and not jump to conclusions about what he's trying to say.