Abstract
In each, Patrick F. O'Connell has expertly edited and annotated lecture notes prepared by Merton during his term as novice master at the Abbey of Gethsemani (1955-1965) for various courses on Christian monastic and mystical traditions. Besides those interested in learning more about the monastic and mystical traditions treated by Merton, scholars and others interested more generally in his thought and personal- ity will find in these books a hitherto largely inaccessible aspect of the man which complements and at times contrasts with the "public" Merton found in his works written for publication, the "interpersonal" Merton revealed in his letters, and the "intimate" Merton unveiled in his recently published journals. After introductory matters, the course covers the mystical theology of the Gospel of John, martyrdom as the summit of the mystical life, Christian gnosis, divinization in the Greek fathers (particularly the Cappadocians), Evagrius Ponticus, natural contemplation (particularly in Maximus the Confessor), the Dionysian tradition of mystical theology.