Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen [Paperback]

Fulton J. Sheen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1993

Treasure in Clay provides a lifetime’s worth of wisdom from one of the most beloved and influential figures in twentieth-century Catholicism.

Completed shortly before his death in 1979, Treasure in Clay is the autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen, the preeminent teacher, preacher, and pastor of American Catholicism.

Called “the Great Communicator” by Billy Graham and “a prophet of the times” by Pope Pius XII, Sheen was the voice of American Catholicism for nearly fifty years. In addition to his prolific writings, Sheen dominated the airwaves, first in radio, and later television, with his signature program “Life is Worth Living,” drawing an average of 30 million viewers a week in the 1950s. Sheen had the ears of everyone from presidents to the common men, women, and children in the pews, and his uplifting message of faith, hope, and love shaped generations of Catholics.

Here in Sheen’s own words are reflections from his childhood, his years in seminary, his academic career, his media stardom, his pastoral work, his extensive travels, and much more. Readers already familiar with Sheen and as well as those coming to him for the first time will find a fascinating glimpse into the Catholic world Sheen inhabited, and will find inspiration in Sheen’s heartfelt recollections. Treasure in Clay is a classic book and a lasting testament to a life that was worth living.

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR TREASURE IN CLAY

“Sheen...wrote of his sixty-year priesthood, from curate to bishop, with the same ability to simultaneously entertain and elucidate that made him a media star.”—Publishers Weekly --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Fulton Sheen (1895 – 1979) was one of the most prominent Catholic leaders in American history. He was bishop of Rochester, national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, a participant in the Second Vatican council, and television’s first religious broadcaster. He is author of numerous books, including Life of Christ, and his cause for canonization is currently under consideration. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 366 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898704200
• ISBN-13: 978-0898704204
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,562,510 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) was one of the best-loved prelates of twentieth century Catholicism. A prolific writer and orator, a distinguished scholar and teacher, an influential master of the media, Bishop Sheen was one of the most effective communicators of our time. His scores of books have offered inspiration, profound thought, and penetrating analysis of Christian faith and life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Treasure!, April 6, 2000

By 

Cary A. Cusumano (Ashburn, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen (Paperback)

Many people who were alive in the '50s and '60s are familiar with wit and wisdom of Archbishop Fulton Sheen from his television show, "Life is Worth Living." Sadly, I never saw or heard the man while he was alive, but I have been fortunate enough to hear tapes of many of his conferences. I bought Treasure in Clay because I wanted to know more about the man, Fulton Sheen. What comes through in his television shows and tapes is but a small fraction of the remarkable works this man accomplished in his life. Treasure in Clay is a wonderfully inspiring book that I believe shows how one man's example of living life to the fullest can be achieved by all of us. Sheen discusses his childhood, his early priesthood, his university studies, and his life as a priest. He shares conversion stories, travel stories, humor, and wisdom that is just as applicable today as it was when he shared it with us decades ago. Not only will you gain a greater appreciation for what Archbishop Sheen accomplished in his life (and wonder how he found the time to do it all!), you will also read valuable lessons that you can apply to better your own.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Treasure On Paper, May 9, 2001

By 

"yoco" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen (Paperback)

Fulton J Sheen is one of America's Best Known and loved Catholic Bishops in the 20th Century. Known mostly for his great oratory skills on his TV program "Life is Worth Living"

To say that the autobiography of Fulton J Sheen is a treasure would not be an understatement at all. All of Fulton Sheen's wit insight and warmth is in this book. Unlike autobiographies of other great orators Bishop Sheen's Autobiography carries all the emotion and humor of his speaches with out losing any appeal.

Among the many great insights in this book are Sheen on his autobiography: "Carlye was wrong in saying that 'there is no life of a man faithfully recorded'. Mine was! The ink used was blood, the parchment was skin the pen a spear. over eighty chapters make up the book, each for a year of my life. Though I pick it up every day it never reads the same. The more I lift my eyes from it's pages the more I feel the need of doing my own autobiography that all might see what I want them to see. But the more I fasten my gaze on it, the more I see that everything worthwhile in it was received as a gift from Heaven. Why then should I glory in it?"

Sheen on Communism "Communism also has a complete philosophy... If one starts with the wrong assumption and is logical from that point on , he will never get back to the road of truth. Communism is a religion ... That is why it appeals to those who are without faith and why Soviet Russia is today (WAS) regarded as the last hope of the western man who lives without God."

There are numours great Quotes and stories/antidotes in this book on subjects ranging from missionaries and conversions to reflections on various Popes, to teaching and Celibacy.

Treasure in clay is a great book written by one of the twentieth centurie's greatest Catholics

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sheen's humour, wisdom, courage & good cheer, April 7, 2001

By 

dylanissimus "dylanissimus" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen (Paperback)

This is a charming book. If you've read other books by Archbishop Sheen, or remember his television lectures, then you must read "Treasure in Clay." And you needn't read the chapters in the order they were written. Depending on your mood, you might want to read "The Lighter Side," or the chapter about Our Lady, or "The Hour that Makes My Day" -- about his unwavering devotion to Eucharistic adoration. You might want to read about the Second Vatican Council, and the ebullient camaraderie that characterized the sessions (evidenced by some of the bishops playfully exchanging sacred limericks). You can read about Communism -- Sheen's chapter on this subject is a needed corrective to the historical lassitude that fails to convey the menace of this abominable ideology.

There are anecdotes about FDR and about Humphrey Bogart. There are stories of conversions which Sheen helped bring to fruition; there is the note that the octogenarian archbishop received from a boy of fi!ve or six: "I hop you have a happy Birthday, and I hop you will be Pop."

"Treasure in Clay" gives us laughter and devotion, humor and courage, poetry and the Cross, and a fine tribute to John Paul II, newly elected as this book was being written. There is much to treasure in "Treasure in Clay."