Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Oliver Davies (Translator, Introduction) "True and perfect obedience is a virtue above all virtues, and there is no work, however great it may be, that can take place or..." (more)
Key Phrases: most precious will, single oneness, uncreated spirit, Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus Christ, Book of Wisdom (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Composed during a critical time in the evolution of European intellectual life, the works of Meister Eckhart (c. 1260-1327) are some of the most powerful medieval attempts to achieve a synthesis between ancient Greek thought and the Christian faith. Writing with great rhetorical brilliance, Eckhart combines the neoplatonic concept of oneness - the idea that the ultimate principle of the universe is single and undivided - with his Christian belief in the Trinity, and considers the struggle to describe a perfect God through the imperfect medium of language. Fusing philosophy and religion with vivid originality and metaphysical passion, these works have intrigued and inspired philosophers and theologians from Hegel to Heidegger and beyond.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (March 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140433430
• ISBN-13: 978-0140433432
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,212 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #4 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( E ) > Eckhart, Meister
  #17 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Theology > Mysticism
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best single volume I have seen, June 12, 2001

By	Timothy Dougal (Joliet, IL United States) - See all my reviews

There are a lot of Meister Eckart books around, but this is the best I have seen. The introduction is especially illuminating. Oliver Davies dispenses with scholastic writings and materials related to the heresy charges, focusing, chronologically, on instructional works and sermons. The Meister Eckhart that emerges from these pages is one who, while taking good works and devotional practices for granted, is so immersed in the Christianized, Neo-Platonic inner life, that he appears, at times, totally unorthodox, at other times, wholly traditional. Reading him is a mind altering experience not to be missed. The translations are very good, and puzzling passages are annotated. References to ancient authors are likewise noted. As a side issue, several of the sermons contain glimpses of medieval scientific theory.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fairly good selection of Eckhart's works, October 13, 2006

By	Greg (Australia) - See all my reviews

This edition of Meister Eckhart capitalises on the strengths of Penguin books; slim volumes which are fairly inexpensive and contain reasonably good scholarly introductions and notes. This edition contains the German Dominican mystic's German sermons, including several ones which deal with key Eckhartian themes, such as the distinction between 'God' and the 'Godhead', the birth of the Word in the soul, and others.

While not as good as the Paulist Press editions of Eckhart's works, this version serves as a very useful introduction to this great mystic's thoughts and sermons.

31 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mystic Master, April 4, 2000

By A Customer

This collection of writings by Meister Eckhart is one of the best. Collected without much bias towards him or against him, it is left to the reader to judge the writings (as opposed to books edited by Matt Fox, where he seems to say that one who doesn't believe Eckhart's writings must be a nut). Nonetheless, this intriguing book is filled with writings from the midevil mystic. A must have for all searching for the spiritual side of life.