The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works (Penguin Classics) Reissue Edition

by Anonymous (Author), A. C. Spearing (Translator)

34 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0140447620

ISBN-10: 0140447628

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In the fourteenth century there was a great flourishing of religious writings in English, both orthodox and heretical. Many of these works focused on Christ's Passion and humanity, whereas The Cloud of Unknowing describes an abstract, transcendent God beyond human knowledge and human language. Drawing upon radically different traditions, it is a rich work full of intriguing contradictions that speaks to us with liveliness and wit even today. The unknown author, thought to be a priest and Carthusian monk, is also believed to have written the other three works in this volume: The Mystical Theology of Saint Denis, The Book of Privy Counselling, and An Epistle on Prayer, which, together with The Cloud of Unknowing, are the four texts at the core of medieval mystical theology.

This Penguin Classics edition includes full explanatory notes, suggestions for further reading, an appendix that reproduces the Middle English text of a section of The Mystical Theology of Saint Denis, and an introduction that places the texts within the context of medieval religious writing.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A. C. Spearing is professor of English at the University of Virginia. He has published widely on medieval literature and edited Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love for Penguin Classics.

Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Penguin Classics; Reissue edition (January 29, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0140447628
ISBN-13: 978-0140447620
Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.5 x 7.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 34 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,199 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #21 in Medieval Literature
- #57 in Medieval Literary Criticism (Books)
- #91 in Mysticism Christian Theology

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Silence

This is complete PLUS other Medieval writings

December 11, 2018

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This one I kept to read myself. My degree is in philosophy. This book not only presets "the Unknowing" but also touches on what others writers were doing at that time.
I love it.

Thank you.

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jwoodard

A Spiritual Investment

July 10, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Taking the warning at the beginning that it is not meant for those with a casual or shallow spirituality into account, this work is an immensely deep and timeless guide to any Christian seeking nearness to God. Even in instances where I might disagree with the author's theology on some point, The Cloud of Unknowing is thought provoking and inspiring. The other works placed with the Cloud help put it into context. It is important that anyone who wishes to follow the author's advise do so thoughtfully and carefully. Concepts such as the impossibility to truly KNOW God and the impossibility for the senses and the mind to come to Him, along with the necessity to rely to a certain extent on the heart and emotions can easily lead in non-Christian directions if the reader does not have a mature understanding of spiritual matters. No matter how strange his teaching may seem at times, the author was an absolutely orthodox Catholic. It is important to remember where the author is coming from in such lofty literature to keep things in context. That done, it is easy for me, an Evangelical Baptist, to say that this work is as applicable for me today as it was during the middle ages when it was written. I also want to say that I always try to buy Penguin editions of any classic work I may be looking for. Penguin combines annotated and informational style that lends context with affordability. As a student, I appreciate both.

9 people found this helpful

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Carl Hall

Great Text Small Print

June 27, 2009

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

As a student of the "Cloud" for many years I appreciate having this text in my library, especially since it includes the "The Mystical Theology of St. Denis," "The Book of Privy Counselling," and "An Epistle on Prayer." However, the type face is so small that my 65 year old eyes tire easily when attempting to read it. If you're subject to eye strain, I'd recommend William Johnston's edition of "Cloud" and "Privy" or the "Cloud" from the "Classics of Western Spirituality" put out by Paulist Press along with its companion volume, "The Pursuit of Wisdom," containing other works by the "Cloud's" author. In any case, no student of contemplative prayer/meditation should be anything but thoroughly familiar with the treasure these texts contain.

62 people found this helpful

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Matt N

Very interesting book. Given its age, it was ...

July 17, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Very interesting book. Given its age, it was much easier to read than I was expecting and provided insight into the more mystical and contemplative practice of prayer meditation.

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John D. Adams

Well liked but Underappreciated

February 6, 2010

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Are we and our institutions--individually and collectively--irredeemably mired in the flesh?

"Not!", says the wisely anonymous author of Penguin Classics' "The Cloud of Unknowing and [Three] Other Works", all dealing with the flesh-to-Spirit path to spiritual perfection.

The unknown author's recommendation that one pay particular attention to short words of one syllable (God, love, in, up, and so forth) is well taken, as is his insistence that one must read the entire text (to avoid misunderstandings) and indeed repeatedly re-read, in order to arrive at a proper understanding of all that the author would so dearly love to convey.

I was greatly helped by including translator A. C. Spearing's Introduction in the cycle of readings.

Your friend in Christ Jesus, John Douglas Adams.

7 people found this helpful

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aminod

Five Stars

June 30, 2018

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Excellent insights

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Barbara C. Sceusa

Love it

May 3, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This is not a novel, but a book that explains religion and man of a certain time period that is still just as relevant today.

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arthur j barnes

great service.

September 6, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

what a read!!!great service....thank you

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