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Reading Thomas Merton: A Guide to His Life Work

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Reading Thomas Merton: A Guide To His Life And Work by John Laughlin (International Thomas Merton Society and Cistercian Lay Contemplatives) is a scholarly, meticulous, involved, and informative examination and survey of Thomas Merton and his literary work. Part I focuses on Merton's life in detail, and Part II is a complete, annotated bibliography of nearly all of his writings. From listings of Merton-related web sites to the best places to find Merton's books to key quotes from Merton's works, Reading Thomas Merton is an invaluable and essential reference for students of Merton's thought and writings.

Amid the many books by and about Thomas Merton finally comes one to aid readers navigate the rich and often overwhelming written legacy of one of history's most important and influential spiritual writers.
Part I of Reading Thomas Merton: His Life and Works canvasses the life and thought of Thomas Merton including the early loss of his mother, his father's artistic bohemian life style, his European education, his drinking and carousing at Cambridge that ended with a paternity suit, his return to the States and studies at Columbia University where his life of promise blossomed. This section addresses his decision to become a Roman Catholic and Cistercian monk, his brilliant career as a contemplative writer, monastic reformer and hermit. His great gift of writing which was evident before he entered the monastery thrived amid the rigid structure of trappist life, the kindness of his first abbot, and the grace of God. Highlighted is his long disguised tumultuous love affair shortly before he left for the fateful trip to Asia where he died of accidental electrocution.
Part II is a complete annotated bibliography of most of his writings, the best books written about him and a section on those who most influenced his life. There are listing of key Merton web sites, the best place to purchase his books, a guide to visiting a monastery, a good selection of tapes by and about Merton and where to purchase them. This book is peppered with quotes of from Thoms Mertons work to give reader a taste of his wonderful and compelling prose. This is an enticing guide through the forest of Merton literature. It is the perfect starting place for anyone who has wanted to read Merton but did know where to begin. For the more informed readers it holds new reading adventures and rewards.
Reading Thomas Merton: His Life and Works makes and excellent gift and addition to your library. It will prove useful for years to come.

Having been a devoted reader of Thomas Merton for many years, it is welcoming at last to see a book that not only says who Thomas Merton is but has an annotated bibliography of his works and works about him. This book is a one-stop "Merton-ville Express" that will lead to a land of exciting spiritual challenge. Floundering around in your spiritual journey? So did Merton! Join him through his books on his spiritual journey. You cannot be disappointed. John Laughlin has captured it exquisitely!
Pearl Hibbard, Ph.D. Psychotherapist and Spiritual Director

MR. LAUGHLIN HAS CAPTURED THE ESSENCE OF THE LIFE OF THOMAS MERTON, HIS COURAGE, HIS IMAGINATION AND HIS FORTITUDE.
IT IS A MUST FOR ANYONE, YOUNG OR OLD WHO IS LOOKING FOR A HERO.

The content is okay, but the sloppiness of the writing and all the typos are annoying and distracting. The author should fire the editor, except she was his wife, and she is also the very favorable reviewer below named Dr. Pearl Hibbard. I wonder how she reviewed the book when it appears that, as editor, she didn't even read it.

Don't be put off by the Dallas writer's overly critical review. Yes, there are some typos that are the result of the back and forth with a publisher who was not as familiar as Ihoped with printing books containing lots of details, such as this fine reference work.
Nevertheless, take a chance and if you are at all interested in Merton as a student, an educator, a spiritual reader, you will find the book a valuable resource.
John (author)