Cloud of Witnesses: Dead People I Knew When They Were Alive [Paperback]

George William Rutler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2010

In Cloud of Witnesses, Fr. George Rutler offers a personal account of the many remarkable people he has encountered throughout his life. From Robert Frost, to Mother Teresa to the many lesser known people, Fr. Rutler lets you in on the many graces that he has received through his own friendships. Told with personal vignettes in his signature style, Fr. Rutler offers not only an inside glimpse into his remarkable circle of friends, but also a deeper understanding and appreciation for the richness of the priestly ministry. "While Father George might not know everyone worth knowing, he does introduce us to a bewildering range of characters... We find no malice in these portraits, but he is honest, perhaps a little tougher on his fellow clerics, as he writes loyally of the humanity of his friends. I know a few of the characters brought to life in these sketches and can vouch for their accuracy. I therefore feel confidence in recommending also the larger number of personalities I did not know." ~ From the foreword by George Cardinal Pell of Sydney. This is an unusual book, written by an author with unusual insights, a wide range of knowledge, and an elegant style. Father George Rutler is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York. He is pastor of the Church of Our Saviour in New York City and is the author of many books. He is on the board of numerous schools and colleges and is chaplain of the New York Guild of Catholic Lawyers and various fraternal societies. He has been a spiritual director for the Missionaries of Charity and other Religious orders and has lectured and given retreats in numerous countries. For over twenty years his programs on EWTN have been broadcast worldwide.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Scepter Pubs (May 15, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594170886
• ISBN-13: 978-1594170881
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,991 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a gem!, August 6, 2010

By 

Silvia - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Cloud of Witnesses: Dead People I Knew When They Were Alive (Paperback)

This is a delightful book and a very inspiring one as well. It is a lovely and original form of memoir. For those of us who have had the privilege of meeting him and seeing Fr. Rutler in action, the book brings a particular knowing smile to our face. And, if you don't know him, you will be amazed. It is a view of our world, our recent history, and how people around us affect who we are. In reading Father Rutler's book, I began to reflect not just on the people he met and how they made their imprint on his life, but also how others have affected me. I hope Father Rutler will someday soon give us Cloud of Witnesses Vol. II. This one left me wanting more. I must remark also, as I am sure this was among his purposes in writing the book, that the book inspires because of the many expositions of faith that came through the pages of the book. God is with us daily, and touches our lives with encounters from persons from every walk of life. Thank you, Father Rutler. Keep writing!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and intriguing book, March 30, 2011

By 

John Redmond (Cazenovia, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cloud of Witnesses: Dead People I Knew When They Were Alive (Paperback)

I ordered this book after reading a favorable review in National Review. I had met Fr Rutler briefly some years ago, and was impressed by his air of seriousness and intelligence.

I was not disappointed. "Clouds" is a series of very short vignettes, but each one provokes thought and curiosity about the subject. If this sort of things appeals to you, this book will not disappoint.

4.0 out of 5 stars Stylist's Portraits, September 24, 2011

By 

James G. Bruen Jr. (Virginia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cloud of Witnesses: Dead People I Knew When They Were Alive (Paperback)

Fr. Rutler rarely falters stylistically in these sketches of people he knew. If any of his portraits err, it is on the side of charity. Although I have different views of some people he portrayed, he hit the nail on the head with his description of the one person I knew. A quick and enjoyable read.