The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom (Paperback)

~ John A. Hardon (Author, Editor) "1. Two Ways there are, one of Life and one of Death, and there is a great difference between the Two Ways..." (more)
Key Phrases: threefold woe, most blessed sacrament, dearest brethren, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom is a Catholic library in miniature, a one-volume microcosm of what the Church's great minds have thought and said since the apostolic age.

Indeed, in The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom, noted theologian Fr. John A. Hardon has compiled the works of thirty-three of the greatest Catholic thinkers and writers, representing every period of the Church's passage through time, from the beginnings of Christianity to the present day. Here are men and women, bishops and priests, religious and the laity ''whose native talents were elevated by the supernatural light that God reserves for those who are most submissive to His will.''

Included in this extraordinary and fascinating anthology are the works of the early saints, such as Gregory, Basil, Augustine, John Chrysostom, Patrick, Bernard Francis, and Thomas Aquinas. Here, too, are the writings of the great reformers Ignatius, Catherine of Siena, and Teresa of Avila; the mystic John of the Cross; the practical wisdom of Francis de Sales, Louis de Montfort, and Peter Julian Eymard; and the modern-day reflections of Gerard Manley Hopkins, Francis Thompson, Therese of Lisieux, G.K. Chesterton, and Fulton J. Sheen.

The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom is a comprehensive anthology of the outstanding Catholic literature from the first century to modern times. Mystics and martyrs, philosophers and theologians, poets and prose writers are quoted at length and in depth. They are truly representative of the spirit and substance of Catholicism in its paradox of phenomenal stability and versatility over the centuries.

Fr. Hardon has selected those writings which are representative of the thought and philosophy of each contributor, and has carefully chosen excerpts which are not always the most familiar. Thus, his volume provides not only a fresh collection of the best of Catholic wisdom, but also a uniquely comprehensive work which offers enlightenment and faith for generations of readers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 737 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press; 1ST edition (June 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898705398
• ISBN-13: 978-0898705393
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 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: #548,481 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is WONDERFUL!, January 3, 2001

By	Rachel Ramjattan "caritech" (Coral Springs, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This book is a treasure! Fr. Hardon introduces the work of more than 100 great spiritual writers from as early as the first centuries A.D. The works of the writers included in the book are currently in print so this is an excellent resource for those who have read the classics and are looking for more good spiritual reading ideas. He gives a brief synopsis of each writer's life, spirituality etc. and discusses their works. Each profile ends with a reading recommendation from the writer's collection.

I came across this book by 'accident' after searching for something of it's kind to guide me on my spiritual reading selections. It is worth it's weight in gold. I have been wishing for something like this for a long time.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensible, September 26, 2005

By	Billyjack D'Urberville (USA) - See all my reviews

This is an indispensible resource which should be in the home of every Catholic, particularly Catholic parents seeking to orient young adults to the scope of Catholic culture. Father Hardon, a lucid writer and shrewd editor, has compiled in one volume an essential compendium and introduction to 2,000 years of Catholic writers. Some selections are doctrinal, some historical; selections of poetry are also included. The excerpts are in chronological order with short introductions by Father Hardon to each. The excerpts are also the core of the core of each writer chosen, excellently chiselled out without losing anything, complete in themselves.

The book easily lends itself as a teaching resource; it could constitute an entire course for lecture followed by discussion. This book is likely the most value for the dollar of anything in Ignatius Press' quality catalog.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The gift that keeps on giving . . ., May 14, 2007

By	Joanne C. Craig "J. Craig" (MIchigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great book for anyone high school age or older. I have used it with my own teenagers as a "religion" text, letting them choose a selection each week to read aloud and discuss. We have given it as a gift to high school graduates and people received into the Church at Easter. My teenagers and I often note in the inscription our favorite selections as places for recipients to start, since the size of the book may seem overwhelming at first. We've received the most enthusiastic thank you notes ever! I've often called this book "the gift that keeps on giving," because when one finds a selection that speaks to him/her strongly, he or she is motivated to buy the book from which it comes, and thus continue the process of deepening one's faith. It's great!