TAN Classic: An Introduction to the Devout Life (Tan Classics) [Paperback]

St Francis de Sales (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2010 | Series: Tan Classics

"Since its first publication in 1609 this book has never gone out of print. It has always occupied a privileged position in the Church: no guide ever written provides so complete, so balanced and so practical an approach to the spiritual life. Written for the layman surrounded by worldliness, this is a masterpiece of mystical and devotional literature, by a great and much loved Doctor of the Church. This book does what many similar books fail to do, teach the reader to grow in holiness, step by simple step.

St. Francis de Sales was a master psychologist, with a special gift for teaching practical morality. His writings are characterized by sublime common sense. Even non-Christians have admired his prose. Above all, he is a spiritual genius, and thus was made a Doctor of the Church. This book is truly medicine for the soul."

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Francis de Sales took seriously the words of Christ, Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart. As he said himself, it took him 20 years to conquer his quick temper, but no one ever suspected he had such a problem, so overflowing with good nature and kindness was his usual manner of acting. His perennial meekness and sunny disposition won for him the title of Gentleman Saint. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 318 pages
• Publisher: TAN Books (September 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895552280
• ISBN-13: 978-0895552280
• Product Dimensions: 1 x 5.3 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #342,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #87 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism > Inspirational

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 49 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars This is Not What You Expected January 31, 2009

By M. Sayers

Format:Paperback

This is an abridged version of this wonderful book. It states plainly in an introductory, unsigned, Life of St. Francis of Sales on page xi that

"In adapting a new translation of it to the use of members of the English Church, the Editor has laid down for himself the principle of making as few omissions and alterations as possible. He has sometimes perhaps, in pursuing this principle gone to the very edge of what is permissible in the English Church ...."

(See page xii as well as he goes on to name other changes he has made such as substituting the term Holy Communion or Holy Eucharist for that of Mass wherever it occurs.)

In a footnote 1 He explains about the omissions he has made "1 They are Part I, chap,xvi Of honouring and invoking the Saints and Angels. Part II. chap xxxix Of the honesty of the marriage bed."

I ordered 6 copies of this book to give to my children. I now have to send them back because this is not the book I thought I ordered.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic August 31, 2007

By Nick

Format:Paperback

(Based on the original French version shown in the following link)

http://www.amazon.fr/Introduction-d%C3%A9vote-Sales-saint-Fran%C3%A7ois/dp/2020236109/ref=sr_1_1/403-9387809-3938065?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188580998&sr=8-1

Saint François de Sales originally wrote this text for one person alone, and subsequently adapted it for the many, addressing the reader as "Philothée", in French, probably translated as Philothea in English, I wouldn't know, meaning "lover of God". This book is a sort of guide to devotion, in case the title wasn't self-explanatory enough.

This work was reprinted over 40 times during the life of its author and was a success for both Catholics and Protestants. Everyone liked it and as a Protestant it's equally useful, you just have to remove the parts about the Sacraments and that's just as good for Protestant usage.

I'd say this book isn't only a good read for Christians, but for anyone interested in wisdom and the likes. I personally didn't agree with everything there, as I am prone not to do with Catholic beliefs, but on the whole it's a very good read. And while I can't say anything of the English translation presented here, I can assure you that the original French is splendidly written and very witty; reminiscent of Montaigne, who wrote at the same period of time (late 16th to early 17th).

A very intelligent, pragmatic, and witty guide to religious behaviour.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Instruction to Living June 27, 2008

By Arthur Hermsdorfer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Wish I had read this one 30 years ago. A practical guide to living life to its fullest. It's fascinating to note that 17th century distractions were not as technical, but nevertheless as real and as abundant a hindrance to the devout life. St. Francis tells us how to put into practice those virtues that we already know, but think we are too busy to use 24/7.