Caryll Houselander: Essential Writings

Modern Spiritual Masters

by Wendy M. Wright (Editor)

Caryll Houselander Caryll Houselander (1901-54), an English Catholic laywoman, artist, and visionary, was driven by a strong identification with the poor that enabled her to proclaim the 'Christing of the World.' This book interweaves texts and images into an encounter with a woman, a 'divine eccentric,' and a gifted reader of souls. Full description

Genres: Christianity, Spirituality, Poetry, Nonfiction, Catholic

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2005

About the author

Wendy M. Wright, PhD is Professor Emerita of Theology at Creighton University in Omaha NE. She teaches regularly in several graduate ministerial programs including Oblate School of Theology's Institute for Contemporary Spirituality, Creighton University's Christian Spirituality Master's program and the National Methodist Academy for Spiritual Formation. Her expertise falls in the areas of history of spirituality (notably Salesian spirituality), family spirituality, spiritual direction and the Catholic devotional tradition. Her most recent book is Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal (Pauline: Saints by Our Side series) and The Lady of the Angels and Her City: a Marian Pilgrimage (Liturgical Press). She is co-host of the Creighton University podcast "Catholic Comments," (http://cucatholicctr.org/catholic-com...), a retreat director and spiritual guide. She and her husband, Roger Bergman, are the parents of three adult offspring and grandparents of four.

Reviews

[Candace Simar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of this book were so beautiful they brought tears to my eyes. I would recommend it for anyone interested in a poet's spiritual journey.

[Jacob Meindersee · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a wonderful volume and conveys the unique insights of a modern mystic who was a layperson, artist and woodcutter, writer, educator, and social worker. the approach of the "essential writings" series gives an overview of the writers works with commentary by the editor, in this case Wendy M. Wright (who does a fantastic job) and it's a very unique approach to familiarizing oneself with new writers and thinkers. I will look to get additional volumes. I encourage anyone interested in mysticism to read Caryll Houselander, as she provides something truly unique and differentiated in the annals of mystical writing. she is a special one.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to this author, hopefully many more will discover her writing today, so relevant to all of us lay people trying our best to live our lives in the world in service to the Lord. Read her book "Reed of God" next!

[Fred Christopherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent review of Houselander's life and writings. The format is effective sketching an outline of her life and interspersing it with selections from her writings and samples of her artwork.

[Aimee Byrd]

Introduced me to a great contemplative thinker.

[Becca Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I underlined much in this book. Words that will make your heart ache.

[mary catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into her philosophy.