The Autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul [Paperback]

John Beevers (Translator)

Book Description

Release date: November 17, 1987

Few spiritual figures have touched as many readers in the past century as Saint Therese of Lisieux, the saint popularly known as the Little Flower. Though she was only twenty-four years old when she died, her writings have had tremendous impact, making her one of the most popular spiritual writers in the twentieth century. Her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, has been a source of priceless inspiration ever since it was written, and has become the great spiritual bestseller of our time. A hundred years after her death in 1897, millions of copies have spread throughout the world and it has been translated into more than fifty languages.

The reason for the continued success of her autobiography is, quite simply, that it is unlike any work of devotion and spiritual insight ever written. Once it is read, it cannot be forgotten. Its appeal across cultures and generations has been extensive, moving both peasants and popes, men and women, young and old -- people of every kind of intelligence and education succumb to its spell. Yet is not a conventional work of religious devotion; instead, it is in many ways a supernatural book. In the words of Pope Pius XI, Saint Therese "attained the knowledge of supernatural things in such abundant measure that she was able to point out the sure way of salvation to others," and it is especially in The Story of a Soul that she has pointed out this sure way to the generations that have followed her. As Therese herself said of this book just prior to her death, "What I have written will do a lot of good. It will make the kindness of God better known."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A wonderful story of love, told with such authenticity, simplicity and freshness that the reader will be nothing but captivated ... I would like to invite all of you to rediscover this great little treasure, this glowing commentary on the Gospel fully lived." –His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

From the Publisher

A spiritual guide for millions the world over, this is the autobiography of a holy woman who "attained to the knowledge of supernatural things in such abundant measure that she was able to point out the sure way of salvation to others." --Pope Pius XI

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Image; Reprint edition (November 17, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385029039
• ISBN-13: 978-0385029032
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism > Saints

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

110 of 113 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars an obsolete translation of an incomparable book October 15, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

John Beevers, a British layman, had a great love for St. Therese and introduced countless people to her and through two other books about her. His translation has been superseded by the translation of Father John Clarke, OCD, who worked directly from the original manuscripts and produced a translation for ICS Publications which has gone into three editions. That text is universally acknowledged as the authoritative English translation, and I would like to see all new readers start with it. We appreciate the Beevers translation as an important historical work in the rise of the cult of St. Therese.

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best selling book of the twentieth century January 8, 1999

By Jill Haak Adels ([e-mail])

Format:Paperback

St, Therese of Lisieux, "The Little Flower", was recently declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II, the third woman to receive this honor in 2,00 years. She thus ranks with such intellectual and theological giants as St. Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas. This elevation is all the more astonishing when we consider her background; born to a bourgeios family in provincal 19th century France, she entered a cloistered convent at the age of 15, and died in obscurity at age 24. The posthumous publication of her spiritual journals created a sensation in the Catholic world comparable to that produced in the postwar world by THE DIARY OF ANN FRANK. Adopted as a universal "little sister" by the French soldiers of World War I, St. Therese's naive, charming, but profound words were carried next to many an infantryman's heart. Therese's story and the effect of her powerful personality and passionate devotion have lost none of their force. "At last I have found my calling," she declared. "My calling is love." The core of her spiritual message, the "little way" is the recognition that any act, no matter how trivial, is infinitely valuable if done out of love. Her influence on other great 20th century figures such as Theresa of Calcutta and Edith Stein is obvious. This is a unique book, to be read with pleasure, with joy, and with the assurance of great spiritual benefit. The homely and human details of Therese's short life lead to the path of enlightenment.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible book written by an incredible Saint! January 20, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

The autobiography of Saint Therese is overflowing with the love and tremendous happiness she had in her soul. This little Saint who seemed so small and meek, was incredibly strong with her faith in God. From the very beginning, when she was a little girl, till the end of her young life, she wanted to travel over the world and bring more souls to God. This book has fulfilled her goal! Through her "little way", St. Therese has inspired and amazed people all over the Earth! She is a beautiful Saint and that beauty shines through in this book! I recommend it for everyone of all ages!