This clear and comprehensive anthology, culled from the vast corpus of Christian mystical literature by the renowned theologian and historian Berna...
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reviews
Dec 13, 2010
Brad
rated it: 
This is, hands down, the best collection of it's kind that I have ever seen. It gives the good, the bad and the ugly, and doesn't allow the modern namby-pamby view of the ancient "mystics" that is offered by most Christian/New Age authors today. McGinn gives an incredibly rounded topical (rather than chronological) organization of mystical writings throughout the centuries of the Church Age. This volume is not for the faint of heart. If you "like the mystics" in the buffe
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Dec 10, 2010
Walter
rated it: 
This compendium is impressive in both its depth and breadth. For example, one of its strengths is that it features not only the expected (e.g., Teresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart, Ignatius of Loyola, etc.), but also excerpts from lesser known seers (e.g., Francois Fenelon, Marguerite Porete, James of Vitry, etc.). In sum, this is a quite comprehensive survey of the major threads in Christian Mysticism in the past two millenia. Some of it is very heavy going, to be sure, but the brevity of the s
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May 07, 2009
A wonderfully cryptic and strange cover design caught my eye instantly when I saw this book for the first time, even before I became familiar with McGinn as an author and historian. Again, another tome of interesting possibility that sits on my bedside table waiting for me.
Feb 02, 2008
Rick
rated it:
Christian mysticism fascinates me: how can one set in words and attempt to describe an almost indescribable experience? How is one able to truly express their ultimate union with God in language? Any attempt to me is an admirable one and here you have a good cross section of writings by well known mystics, theologians and skeptics. The effusiveness of spiritual praises and declarations can be a bit overwhelming and exhausting.
Jun 03, 2008
Andrew
rated it:
Picks the best sections of works from scores of theologians. Well-organized by themes. The short bibliographies are concise and do a great job of putting the texts into proper perspective so you get a sense of where each mystic got his/her ideas.
Would certainly like to own a copy someday. A book I will go back to again and again, I'm sure.
Would certainly like to own a copy someday. A book I will go back to again and again, I'm sure.
Dec 28, 2011
Megan
rated it:
Still haven't finished this one as I tend to read spiritual books slowly to absorb them, but I am amazed at not only the beauty and Godly wisdom of the writings of the mystics, but the perfection of the compilation. I am captivated and deeply moved by each chapter. It's definitely an instant favorite for me :)
Dec 16, 2009
Fawn
rated it:
I wish there were more writings by hadewijch of antwerp in this, but it covers a lot of ground... and the cover illustration ('christian allegory' by jan provost) is totally almost worth the price of the book alone.
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