Silent Lamp: The Thomas Merton Story [Paperback]

William H. Shannon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1994

Each period of Merton's life is presented in two ways. First, a section of chronology sets out the seven major events in that life in parallel with significant events in the contemporary political and literary world. The follows the biographical chapters that constritute the substance of the book.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In what he calls a "reflective biography," Shannon, a priest and Merton scholar, focuses on significant moments in the famous monk's life. Thomas Merton (1915-1968), a Cistercian monk, became a bestselling author with the 1948 publication of the autobiographical The Seven Storeyok Mountain and evolved into a major religious voice of this century. Poet, peace activist, celebrator of Eastern mysticism, Merton wrote prolifically and traveled extensively. Charting the monk's journeys within a historical context, Shannon also traces Merton's internal conflicts over his role as a contemplative and his sense of mission in the world. Shannon is an authoritative guide through the controversies, personal flaws and inconsistencies in the life of an imposing figure described as a free spirit "in touch with the universe." Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

For those with no prior knowledge of Merton and for whom Merton symbolizes the best sort of spiritual quest and insight, this is a solid, very readable biography. Shannon, a well-known scholar and editor of Merton's letters (of which there are over 4000), chronicles "the evolution of Merton's spirituality." As such, this biography, while capturing all the major events in Merton's life, is reflective in tone rather than definitive. It does not avoid, but neither does it dwell on, controversies or frustrations in Merton's life. Its decided focus is the remarkable, often literal journey of being orphaned, rootless, and adrift on two continents; his conversion; and the joy of finding the silence and solitude he so favored at the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani. The special gifts that he brought there, "a deep wisdom and a remarkable facility with words," form the heart of the Merton story. Recommended.
- Carol J. Lichtenberg, Washington State Univ. Libs., Pullman
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Crossroad Classic (January 25, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824512812
• ISBN-13: 978-0824512811
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,906,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mertons Real Story, July 17, 2007

By 

Longjohnbob "Bob" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Silent Lamp: The Thomas Merton Story (Paperback)

I first read Thomas Merton's bestselling Seven Storey Mountain while in high school, and though it was very dated for mid 1970s America it was important to me dealing with my own trepid quest for the Catholic spiritual experience. The biography is super. It fills in lots of interesting gaps in Merton's life, and though written by a priest is objective and not the least bit preachy or sanctimonious. The timelines are especially useful.