Walter Hilton: The Scale of Perfection (Classics of Western Spirituality) (Paperback)

~ John P. H. Clark (Author), Rosemary Dorward (Author) "1. How man's inward behavior should be like the outward..." (more)
Key Phrases: Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus, Jesus Christ (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This edition of The Scale of Perfection by English Augustinian Canon Walter Hilton represents a considerable advance on what has hitherto been available. The modern-language version by Rosemary Dorward is made from those manuscripts selected as the basis for the forthcoming Early English Text Society editions, and differs at a number of points from existing printed versions.

The introduction and theological notes by John P.H. Clark take account of the considerable progress which has been made in the last twenty years in the understanding of Hilton's life and milieu, and of his theological background. Hilton is considered in relation to Richard Rolle, to The Cloud of Unknowing and to some of the turbulent religious movements of his day. Arising from this context, his powerful restatement of the church's traditional wisdom, addressed to those outside the cloister as well as within, is seen to speak to the needs of our own day as clearly as to those of the fourteenth century.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (January 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809131943
• ISBN-13: 978-0809131945
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #705,460 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blend of the ascetic and pastoral is top fare, July 21, 2000

By	Elizabeth G. Melillo "gloriana" - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Walter Hilton: The Scale of Perfection (Classics of Western Spirituality) (Hardcover)

Walter Hilton's massive undertaking (the first thorough treatment of ascetic theology in the English language) is as rewarding for those today as in his own era - and a careful reading makes one realise that he was treating many of the same difficulties we would find in our own time. This is by no means light reading, but the lawyer's mind, theologian's precision, and pastoral father's homely charm are a winning combination. (How can anyone resist one who, after giving an explanation of sin so with the lawyer's accuracy that one nearly searches for the section on plea bargaining, then tenderly reassures his reader that God is most generous with forgiveness or "heaven would be much too empty?)I would recommend it (if not require it) of anyone with an interest either in ascetic theology or fourteenth century England.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the great books of Christian piety., April 24, 1999

By A Customer

Author Peter Ackroyd (The Life of Thomas More) says that Hitlton's "Scale of Perfection" and Kempas'"Imitation of Christ" are part of the broad tradition of late medieval Christian piety. Both books played a central part of Thomas More's life. Scale of Perfection is concerend with the active Chrictian life in the world. Hilton also wrote a volume entitled "The Mixed Life."

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual growth, March 17, 2007

By	Beverly C. Simmons (Poughkeepsie, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For those serious about growing in the spiritual life, Walter Hilton is a must. Not everything will speak to every person but there is much to be gained from a slow, careful, and prayerful reading.