John of Cross: Man and Mystic [Paperback]

Richard P. Hardy (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0819839809 | ISBN-13: 978-0819839800 | Publication Date: April 1, 2004

St. John of the Cross, great mystic of the Christian tradition, knew suffering first-hand: his personal "dark night" included exile, imprisonment, starvation, abuse. Yet, sustained by tremendous faith and steeped in an enormous love for God and for humanity, he surrendered to the Divine and was drawn through his experiences to a profound compassion for and solidarity with others.

This engaging biography is the perfect introduction to--or an enjoyable re-acquaintance with--a man whose life, writings, and spirituality have illuminated the Christian world.

Includes a guide to reading the works of John of the Cross, photos and color reproductions of masterpiece artwork, and an extensive annotated bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A skillful and thoroughly wonderful journey with John of the Cross!" -- Marilyn Palermo, T.O.Carm., Regional Coordinator, Lay Carmelite Order

"Hardy's life of John of the Cross will benefit both scholars and a general audience." -- Keith J. Egan, Aquinas Chair in Catholic Theology, Saint Mary's College and Adjunct Professor of Theology, Nore Dame University

"Individuals and groups making a first-time study of John will welcome Hardy's thoughtful new book." -- Jane Ackerman, Department of Philosophy and Religion, University of Tulsa

"John of the Cross comes alive as a human being greatly in love with God and God's world." -- John Welch, O. Carm., Washington Theological Union

From the Author

What I have tried to do in this book is to present this man, Fray Juan de la Cruz (1542-1591), as I have come to know him. I have written it for anyone who is interested in coming to know him as a human being who became, through and in his life, a man of God, a saint. I have written it to help those who would like to read his writings and understand them more clearly as guides on their journey to divine union and full human life.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Pauline Books & Media (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819839809
• ISBN-13: 978-0819839800
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,837,899 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good and accessible biography. . ., January 5, 2005

By 

David Zampino "21st Century Hobbit" (Delavan, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John of Cross: Man and Mystic (Paperback)

. . .of St. John of the Cross.

St. John of the Cross was a complex man. Mystic, theologian, reformer, poet -- St. John was all of these and more. Yet our modern society too often shunts him to the side.

Hardy, in this well-written and human biography, brings out the "soul" of the man who was (along with St. Teresa of Avila) the backbone of the reform of the Carmelite order.

Anyone interesed in St. John of the Cross -- or Carmelite spirituality in general -- would do well to read this book.

Recommended.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A clear and understandable biography, July 10, 2006

By 

S. Youngs - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John of Cross: Man and Mystic (Paperback)

Since the writings of this Christian Mystic are daunting, this guide to the life and times of the author is a great help. It is very clearly written, with good insights and careful research.

5.0 out of 5 stars cost of book, April 7, 2010

By 

F. Sundberg "Samwise" (Connecticut) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John of Cross: Man and Mystic (Paperback)

This book is selling for over $140 dollars on Amazon and elsewhere for from $50 dollars to over $100 dollars...I bought this book brand new today - April 7, 2010 - from a small Catholic bookstore in Connecticut FOR $14.95...so why is it so outrageously expensive everywhere else? If anyone wants to know where to get this book - from St. Michael's book store,contact me and I'll give you the information....