or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
 
Express Checkout with PayPhrase
What's this? | Create PayPhrase
More Buying Choices
42 used & new from $8.95

Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism (Modern Library Classics)
 
 
Tell the Publisher!
I’d like to read this book on Kindle

Don’t have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here.
 
  

The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism (Modern Library Classics) (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: mystical itineraries, outer practices, vision contemplation, Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, Holy Spirit, Song of Songs (more...)
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

List Price: $19.95
Price: $13.57 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $6.38 (32%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Want it delivered Monday, November 16? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
28 new from $10.50 14 used from $8.95

Frequently Bought Together

The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism (Modern Library Classics) + Early Christian Mystics: The Divine Vision of Spiritual Masters + The Foundations of Mysticism (Presence of God: a History of Western Christian Mysticism Vol. 1) (v1)
Price For All Three: $54.72

Show availability and shipping details


Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

The Foundations of Mysticism (Presence of God: a History of Western Christian Mysticism Vol. 1) (v1)

The Foundations of Mysticism (Presence of God: a History of Western Christian Mysticism Vol. 1) (v1)

by Bernard McGinn
5.0 out of 5 stars (4)  $26.37
Light from Light: An Anthology of Christian Mysticism (Second Edition)

Light from Light: An Anthology of Christian Mysticism (Second Edition)

by Louis Dupre
5.0 out of 5 stars (3)  $18.21
Christian Mystics: Their Lives and Legacies throughout the Ages

Christian Mystics: Their Lives and Legacies throughout the Ages

by Ursula King
4.8 out of 5 stars (9)  $9.02
Mystics

Mystics

by William Harmless
4.5 out of 5 stars (4)  $10.69
The Flowering of Mysticism: Men and Women in the New Mysticism: 1200-1350 (The Presence of God)

The Flowering of Mysticism: Men and Women in the New Mysticism: 1200-1350 (The Presence of God)

by Bernard McGinn
5.0 out of 5 stars (1)  $29.16
Explore similar items

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This clear and comprehensive anthology, culled from the vast corpus of Christian mystical literature by the renowned theologian and historian Bernard McGinn, presents nearly one hundred selections, from the writings of Origen of Alexandria in the third century to the work of twentieth-century mystics such as Thomas Merton.

Uniquely organized by subject rather than by author, The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism explores how human life is transformed through the search for direct contact with God. Part one examines the preparation for encountering God through biblical interpretation and prayer; the second part focuses on the mystics’ actual encounters with God; and part three addresses the implications of the mystical life, showing how mystics have been received over time, and how they practice their faith through private contemplation and public actions.

In addition to his illuminating Introduction, Bernard McGinn provides accessible headnotes for each section, as well as numerous biographical sketches and a selected bibliography.

Praise for The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism
“No one is better equipped than Bernard McGinn to provide a thorough and balanced guide to this vast literature….This is an anthology which deserves to be read not only by those who study Christian history and theology, but by believers who long to deepen their own lives of prayer and service.” -- Anglican Theological Review

“Bernard McGinn, a preeminent historian and interpreter of the Christian mystical tradition, has edited this fine collection of mystical writings, organizing them thematically....McGinn offers helpful introductions to each thematic section, author and entry, as well as a brief critical bibliography on mysticism. Published in the Modern Library Classic series, this is a great value.” – Christian Century

"No-one is better equipped than Professor McGinn to provide a thorough and balanced guide to this vast literature. A first-class selection, by a first-class scholar." -- Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury


“This accessible anthology by the scholarly world’s leading historian of the Western Christian mystical tradition easily outstrips all others in its comprehensiveness, the aptness of its selection of texts, and in the intelligent manner of its organization.” -- Denys Turner, Horace Tracy Pitkin Professor of Historical Theology, Yale Divinity School


"An immensely rich anthology, assembled and introduced by our foremost student of mysticism. Both the scholar and the disciple will find God’s plenty here." -- Barbara Newman, Professor of English, Religion, and Classics, John Evans Professor of Latin, Northwestern University


"An unusually clear and insightful exposition of major texts selected by one of the greatest scholars in the field of Christian mysticism, based on his vast erudition and uniquely sensitive interpretation. Like his other books, this one too is destined to become a classic.” -- Professor Moshe Idel, Hebrew University, Jerusalem


About the Author

Bernard McGinn is the Naomi Shenstone Donnelly Professor Emeritus at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. His books include Meister Eckhart: Teacher and Preacher; Meister Eckhart: The Essential Sermons; Antichrist; and the Presence of God multivolume history of Western Christian mysticism. He lives in Chicago.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 592 pages
  • Publisher: Modern Library (December 12, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0812974212
  • ISBN-13: 978-0812974218
  • Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 1.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 14.4 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: #45,173 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #10 in  Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Theology > Mysticism
    #37 in  Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Mysticism
    #67 in  Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Catholicism > Roman Catholicism

More About the Author

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

Visit Amazon's Bernard McGinn Page

Inside This Book (learn more)

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism (Modern Library Classics)
91% buy the item featured on this page:
The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism (Modern Library Classics) 4.9 out of 5 stars (8)
$13.57
The Way of the Mystics: Ancient Wisdom for Experiencing God Today
2% buy
The Way of the Mystics: Ancient Wisdom for Experiencing God Today 4.8 out of 5 stars (8)
$11.53
Mysticism
2% buy
Mysticism 5.0 out of 5 stars (12)
$13.45
Christian Mystics: Their Lives and Legacies throughout the Ages
2% buy
Christian Mystics: Their Lives and Legacies throughout the Ages 4.8 out of 5 stars (9)
$9.02

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
 

Your tags: Add your first tag
 

Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store

If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store. Learn more

 

Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
5 star:
 (7)
4 star:
 (1)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.9 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars YES!, December 12, 2007
By Kerry Walters (Lewisburg, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)      
At last! I've been teaching college courses on philosophy & mysticism for years, and I've always been frustrated by the absence of a good anthology of Christian mysticism. So I've either had to order armfuls of primary texts or settle for mediocre anthologies. But Bernard McGinn, who knows more about Christian mysticism than anyone else, has saved me (and others!). This wonderful collection of Christian mysticism is logically arranged, judiciously selected, and expertly commented on. How wonderful!

Selections are from ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary mystics, and from western as well as orthodox traditions. Fathers of the Desert, the Beguines, Simone Weil, Thomas Merton, Hugh of St. Victor, Symeon, Macarius, Eckhart, John of the Cross, Bernard of Clairvaux: these and many other Christian mystics are excerpted in sections that cover topics such as Biblical Interpretation, Asceticism and Purgation, Inner and Outer Practices, Trinity, Christ, Vision, Deification, and Love and Knowledge. McGinn even concludes with a section that focuses on the social/moral relevance of Christian mysticism, which would be nicely complemented by a reading of Dorothee Soelle's The Silent Cry: Mysticism and Resistance.

McGinn's book is bound to be the definitive collection for years to come. Highly, highly recommended--and highly welcome.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual Journey, March 2, 2009
By Diane Lombardo (Antelope Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
For anyone on a spiritual journey, this book is fantastic. I have been carrying it around for over a year and read it through twice. From the teachings of Christian Mystics and Saints, you will understand how to be totally honest with yourself and permit the Holy Trinity to reign in your life. This book can become your "how-to" if you desire to achieve union with God.

Paperback has 559 pages. Includes: Contents of 3 Parts and 15 Sections, Preface, Introduction with a note on the translations, Bibliography with earliest citation "Studies of English Mystics" 1906, and a page About The Editor. The three Parts are entitled: Foundations of Mystical Practice (Origen of Alexandria c.180 to Madame Guyon c.1648), Aspects of Mystical Consciousness, Implications of the Mystical Life.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to Christian Mysticism, September 3, 2008
By James E. Davis (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This is a good introductory text regarding Christian Mysticism. The author is quite knowledgeable and the text is well-edited. This material provides a solid base from which the reader may expand his/her knowledge of the subject matter and put subsequent readings in context.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars True spiritality
As christians we struggle with the do's and dont's of Christanity and lose what true christianity is and was meant to be. This book helps to ignite a passion for christ. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Nick Troiano

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive topical arrangement
McGinnn presents a topically arranged selection of 17 hundred years of writing about Christian Mysticism. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Gary Sprandel

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely GREAT!
One of the very best compendiums of Christian mystical writers. Perfect for the beginning student to provide a broad spectrum of insight, as well as for the advanced/matured... Read more
Published 4 months ago by William Fulbright

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Anthology
Very well put together, this book is unique because it arranges the texts by theme rather than chronologically as in most anthologies of Christian mysticism. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Stephen Long

5.0 out of 5 stars Unity Among Religions!
This book is a fabulous peek into 'Christian Mysticism'. It is inclusive, not divisive. It is 'Christian' mysticism in as much as humanity tailors garments to clothe Truth... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Theophilus

Only search this product's reviews



Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions
   




Product Information from the Amapedia Community

Beta (What's this?)


Look for Similar Items by Category


Look for Similar Items by Subject

 

Feedback

If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us.
 Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
Is there any other feedback you would like to provide?

Your comments can help make our site better for everyone.


Your Recent History

 (What's this?)

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.