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The Seven Storey Mountain Paperback – October 4, 1999

by Thomas Merton (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,488 ratings
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One of the most famous books ever written about a man’s search for faith and peace.

The Seven Storey Mountain tells of the growing restlessness of a brilliant and passionate young man, who at the age of twenty-six, takes vows in one of the most demanding Catholic orders—the Trappist monks. At the Abbey of Gethsemani, "the four walls of my new freedom," Thomas Merton struggles to withdraw from the world, but only after he has fully immersed himself in it. At the abbey, he wrote this extraordinary testament, a unique spiritual autobiography that has been recognized as one of the most influential religious works of our time. Translated into more than twenty languages, it has touched millions of lives.
 
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  1. Print length
    496 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    October 4, 1999
  4. Dimensions
    5.31 x 1.23 x 8 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0156010860
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0156010863
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Without a life of the spirit our whole existence becomes unsubstantial and illusory.-Thomas Merton
—

About the Author

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was born in France and came to live in the United States at the age of 24. He received several awards recognizing his contribution to religious study and contemplation, including the Pax Medal in 1963, and remained a devoted spiritualist and a tireless advocate for social justice until his death in 1968.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne; First Edition (October 4, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 496 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0156010860
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0156010863
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 1.23 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,488 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Thomas Merton

    Thomas Merton

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Thomas Merton (1915-1968) is arguably the most influential American Catholic author of the twentieth century. His autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, has millions of copies and has been translated into over fifteen languages. He wrote over sixty other books and hundreds of poems and articles on topics ranging from monastic spirituality to civil rights, nonviolence, and the nuclear arms race.

    After a rambunctious youth and adolescence, Merton converted to Roman Catholicism and entered the Abbey of Gethsemani, a community of monks belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists), the most ascetic Roman Catholic monastic order.

    The twenty-seven years he spent in Gethsemani brought about profound changes in his self-understanding. This ongoing conversion impelled him into the political arena, where he became, according to Daniel Berrigan, the conscience of the peace movement of the 1960's. Referring to race and peace as the two most urgent issues of our time, Merton was a strong supporter of the nonviolent civil rights movement, which he called "certainly the greatest example of Christian faith in action in the social history of the United States." For his social activism Merton endured severe criticism, from Catholics and non-Catholics alike, who assailed his political writings as unbecoming of a monk.

    During his last years, he became deeply interested in Asian religions, particularly Zen Buddhism, and in promoting East-West dialogue. After several meetings with Merton during the American monk's trip to the Far East in 1968, the Dali Lama praised him as having a more profound understanding of Buddhism than any other Christian he had known. It was during this trip to a conference on East-West monastic dialogue that Merton died, in Bangkok on December 10, 1968, the victim of an accidental electrocution. The date marked the twenty-seventh anniversary of his entrance to Gethsemani.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Robert Barron

    Robert Barron

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Bishop Robert Barron is the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and the host of CATHOLICISM, a groundbreaking, award-winning documentary about the Catholic faith. On July 21, 2015, Pope Francis announced his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and on June 2, 2022, he appointed Bishop Barron the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester (Minnesota). Ordained in 1986 in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Bishop Barron received a master’s degree in philosophy from The Catholic University of America in 1982 and a doctorate in sacred theology from the Institut Catholique de Paris in 1992.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
3,488 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book provides great insight and inspiration, with themes that are broadly Christian. They describe the content as compelling, beautifully described, and honest. Readers find the story interesting and relevant, with a historical context that closely parallels their own. Opinions are mixed on readability, with some finding it well-written and easy to get into, while others find it overly written and suffers.

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ContentFaith-based learningStoryDepth of contentReadabilityBook lengthPace
200 customers mention "Content"197 positive3 negative

Customers find the book wonderful, worthy of reading, and well worth the trip. They also appreciate Merton's methods, honesty, and trusting attitude.

"...The Seven Storey Mountain" is a compelling read...." Read more

"...The Seven Story Mountain is a fantastic book to read for anyone who is trying to find meaning and purpose in life...." Read more

"...some significant drudgery, there was still much that made the book noteworthy and worthwhile...." Read more

"...after years of my wife Micheline telling me that this was such wonderful book and well written by Thomas Merton, a Cistercian Monk, i.e., a..." Read more

164 customers mention "Faith-based learning"164 positive0 negative

Customers find the faith-based learning in the book great, inspiring, and fascinating. They also say the author is a great theologian and the book is emotional at times.

"...of his talent - his prose is often lyrical and poetic, his contemplations are prayers. It is easy to see why"..." Read more

"...When all is said and done The Seven Story Mountain is an inspirational and comforting story of Thomas Merton the man painstakingly converting into..." Read more

"...baffle me, the central spiritual themes of Seven Storey were broadly Christian, deeply challenging, and powerfully compelling...." Read more

"...shows us how it can be exercised at a very deep level and told in a truly informative and entertaining fashion...." Read more

82 customers mention "Story"78 positive4 negative

Customers find the story very interesting, powerful, and joyful. They say it's a good conversion story and a landmark classic. Readers also appreciate the wonderful descriptions of the physical surroundings and the historical context.

"...It is a relatively open and honest look at a remarkable life and an incredible faith that was cut tragically short in 1968...." Read more

"...I found this book fascinating not only because his life was so interesting and rich, but also because it is sprinkled with wisdom throughout...." Read more

"...There were aspects of the story that were utterly captivating, a combination of genuinely fascinating events and Merton's powerful storytelling...." Read more

"...They are varied and full of searching themes, evolving from the philosophical the lives of the Saints, including Augustine and Thomas Aquinas...." Read more

8 customers mention "Depth of content"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very easy to read, but with depth.

"...this book fascinating not only because his life was so interesting and rich, but also because it is sprinkled with wisdom throughout...." Read more

"...Also, it has caused me to dig deeper in my own soul and to extend my contemplation and prayer and in general, love and grow in Christ...." Read more

"...The book's reach is much deeper than that." Read more

"...It is a rich, spiritual tale which will reward the reader." Read more

128 customers mention "Readability"88 positive40 negative

Customers are mixed about the readability. Some find the book well-written and accessible, while others find it overly written, hard to get through, and dull. They also mention that French phrases are often incorrectly rendered, and that they're bored during extended stretches of the book.

"...Merton's writing is evidence of his talent - his prose is often lyrical and poetic, his contemplations are prayers. It is easy to see why"..." Read more

"...Merton I feel expounds on mundane details at times, his writing overall was very descriptive and exciting to read...." Read more

"...In short and to put it bluntly, I was bored during extended stretches of the book, especially in the first 200 pages...." Read more

"...I loved this book and found it an easy read, even when Merton writes about his deep love of God, which reflect his lifelong study of philosophy and..." Read more

8 customers mention "Book length"5 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book length. Some find it masterfully written and transformative, while others say it's super long chapters and longwinded.

"...The Seven Storey Mountain" is a compelling read. While it is not overly long, it may take readers a while to read since one takes part in Merton's..." Read more

"...First of all, Thomas Merton is rather longwinded; there were many passages and episodes in his life that I found unnecessarily long and drawn out...." Read more

"Arrived new in great condition. Book is a long read. My friend and I took different things from the book...." Read more

"This is a long read. Merton is very detailed in his description of his thoughts, feelings and opinions as well as his adventures through life...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pace"3 positive5 negative

Customers are mixed about the pace of the book. Some mention that it's a book to read slowly and reflect on, while others say that it is disappointing for Amazon.

"...The book is painfully slow at times but can be read and then set aside for a while...." Read more

"...This is definitely a book to read slowly and reflect on; and it is still engrossing when it rests at 467 pages!..." Read more

"The story of Merton's journey atarts out very slowly and may make one wonder why they are reading the book at all...." Read more

"...Disappointing for Amazon. Kind of slow so far, the errors distract from getting into the story." Read more

Third Time's Charm!
5 out of 5 stars
Third Time's Charm!
I have tried to read this book twice already and have run into "dead ends." Surprisingly, I have been a Merton fan and reader for decades. I received The Intimate Merton: His Life From His Journals as a birthday gift and thought it was great. Merton said himself, "My best writing has always been in journals." So, I thought I would try this again. However, this time I bought the abridged Audible version. And it worked! It also whetted my appetite for more. Unfortunately, there is no unabridged version in Audible. I did find one online. So there’s hope! I really want to make it this time!
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Top reviews from the United States

RCM
5.0 out of 5 stars Lose Yourself To Find Yourself
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2010
Verified Purchase
Thomas Merton was an educated and talented young man who could have gone on to become anything he wanted, especially a secular author which is where he was headed in his early twenties. But a rootless life had left him hungry for more and after a conversion to Catholicism, Merton felt destined to the priesthood and eventually entered a Trappist monastery with the surest of convictions that he was following his calling. Yet his remarkable ability to capture thoughts and devotions in poetry and prose kept his pen active and helped him to bring his thoughts and his faith to a worldwide audience. "The Seven Storey Mountain: An Autobiography of Faith" is Merton's account of his life growing up through his conversion. It is a relatively open and honest look at a remarkable life and an incredible faith that was cut tragically short in 1968.

Merton, as the son of an itinerant painter, spent much of his early years traveling with his father to various countries, especially after the death of his mother, where his education was rather piecemeal at best. His recollections of his childhood and these voyages are filled with a child's wonder and remarkable detail. He began his college career at Cambridge, but was forced to begin anew at Columbia College in New York because of some trouble he had gotten himself into and because he had been essentially disowned by his godfather, his own father having passed away recently. This may be one criticism of Merton's autobiography, since those unfamiliar with his life will not know exactly what he left out. Indeed, this is a somewhat sanitized version of Merton's life, but that does not distract from Merton's overall message or aim.

After wandering about after graduation, teaching English, writing articles and reviews and novels, and generally looking for some way to fill the void in his life, Merton converted to Catholicism. The sheer joy and calm that he experienced at this conversion is shared by the reader, as Merton lays bare his doubts and fears about his newfound faith and his possible vocation. Just when things seem bleak for Merton, when his past comes back to haunt him, his vocation is fulfilled and he enters the Trappist monastery Gethsemani in Kentucky, and the final portion of the book is devoted to his new life as a monk and what it means to lead a contemplative life.

"The Seven Storey Mountain" is a compelling read. While it is not overly long, it may take readers a while to read since one takes part in Merton's many contemplations along the way. Intermixed with his memories are Merton's thoughts about various issues and how faith can provide an answer in any situation. Merton's writing is evidence of his talent - his prose is often lyrical and poetic, his contemplations are prayers. It is easy to see why
"The Seven Storey Mountain" has become one of the most influential religious works of the past century. Merton's life will touch a chord with readers from any background, maybe because his story seems so unlikely, but more so because of how his experiences are those shared by everyone.
14 people found this helpful
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landon
5.0 out of 5 stars What Being Rich Really Means
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2014
Verified Purchase
The Seven Story Mountain follows the life of Thomas Merton from his hectic life as a child, from indulging in worldly pleasures while studying at Cambridge, and leading to being ordained as a monk in one of the strictest monasteries of his time. Thomas Merton explicitly explains every detail of his life allowing the reader to become totally immersed in his world. Though Merton I feel expounds on mundane details at times, his writing overall was very descriptive and exciting to read. I found this book fascinating not only because his life was so interesting and rich, but also because it is sprinkled with wisdom throughout. One heartwarming moment that i recall on pg 63 is when Merton was being cared for by another family for a short time and learns what unconditional love is. He explains his stay with them by saying:

"The more I think of them, the more I realize that I must certainly owe the Privats for more than butter and milk and good nourishing food for my body. I am indebted to them for much more than the kindness and care they showed me, the goodness and the delicate solicitude with which they treated me as their own child, yet without any assertive or natural familiarity.

That was why I was glad of the love the Privats showed me, and was ready to love them in return. It did not burn you, it did not hold you, it did not try to imprison you in demonstrations, or trap your feet in the snares of its interest."
Another nugget of wisdom that I found useful was when Thomas Merton explains life by saying "What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it, all the rest are not only useless, but disastrous."

The Seven Story Mountain is a fantastic book to read for anyone who is trying to find meaning and purpose in life. Merton tells us of how his quest to find meaning through worldly pleasures, and everything else under the sun, to which he later dismisses as meaningless. I believe that anyone searching for not only God but also a religion to follow could benefit from reading this because you will find the you are not alone and you will be able to relate to Merton's own struggles. This is definitely a book to read slowly and reflect on; and it is still engrossing when it rests at 467 pages!

When all is said and done The Seven Story Mountain is an inspirational and comforting story of Thomas Merton the man painstakingly converting into Thomas Merton the monk. You will laugh, you will be happy, you will be sad, you will feel pain, you will feel empathy and you will grow. The Seven Story Mountain is truly an adventure to embark no matter what your faith.
19 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Vidya Nand Garg
5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding spiritual autobiography
Reviewed in India on May 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
I read this 466 pages long autobiography of Thomas Merton slowly . I like the way Thomas Merton evolved spiritually through introspection, solitude,writing and perseverance. It is one of the best book on spiritual evolution I have read. I will read it again . Reading this book is worth your time .
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tranceangel_3
5.0 out of 5 stars Thomas Merton at his best
Reviewed in Germany on August 8, 2022
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This is a must-read for everyone wanting to know more about the Trappist monk Thomas Merton. I myself decided to start off with his biography and eventually move on to his other books. His autobiography really lights the way to a man who was a real searcher of truth and God. I believe he found both. Sadly, his untimely passing in 1968 shows once more, that great souls are not always accepted in this illusionary world.
One person found this helpful
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Richard Hui
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait to read this book
Reviewed in Singapore on February 20, 2024
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Book came in great condition. Can't wait to read it
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antoni coll gilabert
5.0 out of 5 stars Me encantó la experiencia de la compra que hice
Reviewed in Spain on March 14, 2018
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Me gustó la rapidez, la facilidad de compra, el buen estado del libro. Ya había comprado otros y espero seguir haciéndolo.
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Genevieve DuGas
5.0 out of 5 stars Merton scales a mountain of faith!
Reviewed in Canada on August 25, 2013
Verified Purchase
I chose this book because it's a well-known classic that I always wanted to read. Also, it's a memoir, which I hoped to find helpful in writing my own memoir. Merton is a brilliant writer, recreating places and phases of his life story in such a way as to place me right in the thick of it. Also a gifted theologian, he writes convincingly of the reality of faith, the reality of God. He is convincing because he so deeply and unequivocally believes it himself. He is mercilessly honest about his own failings and wrongdoings, his pride, self-delusion, etc. From a young, confused, hedonistic, self-absorbed young man to a committed, serious man of faith, he took me every step of the way, never losing my understanding and sympathy. Why? Because of his scrupulous self-honesty and self-criticism. He also intelligently and fairly criticizes religious orders, holding them up to the ideal forged by Christ. Believers and nonbelievers alike will find this book intriguing and provocative.

Colleen Gillis
2 people found this helpful
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