St. John of the Cross: San Jua: His Life, His Poetry (Bilngual), His Prose

by John of the Cross

St. John (San Juan de la Cruz) is one of the greatest mystics and poets in any language. This is a new introduction and translation of St. John's poetry (presented in both Spanish and English) and prose commentaries that includes his biography, providing an integrated vision that resurrects the power of his poetic voice.

Genres: Christian

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

St. John of the Cross (Spanish: Juan de la Cruz), born June 24 1542, Juan de Yepes Álvarez, was a major Counter-Reformation figure, a Spanish mystic, Catholic saint, Carmelite friar and priest. He was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered, along with St Teresa of Ávila, as a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. He's also known for his writings. Both his poetry & his studies on the growth of the soul are considered the summit of mystical Spanish literature & a peak of all Spanish literature. He was canonized as a saint in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. He is one of the 33 Doctors of the Church. (less)

Reviews

[Ian Morel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course St. John’s poetry is 5/5 stars. The editors preface and such are just entirely lackluster.

I find writings about the Christian mystics mildly frustrating because St. John would have been mortified to be compared to Muslim or Hindu mystics. Not to say those faiths don’t have a ton to add to the mystical literature and experience. Just that they didn’t play a role in St. John’s mystical theology and experience. He was a deeply Christian man.

I also didn’t read the prose because it was edited down and I would rather read St. John’s original version.

[James Violand · Rating 5 out of 5]

San Juan de La Cruz attempts to teach the indescribable glory of Catholic mysticism. Similar to St. Teresa of Avila's autobiography in purpose, (BTW He was her confessor) this book gives insight to what can be attained through a spiritually driven life. Amazing. This is not quackery. The empirical mind-set dominating the world today cannot tolerate what it cannot explain and hence the methods of spiritual enlightenment are ridiculed. Too bad. They know not what they do. Mankind is suffering because it is divorced from its spirituality.
Abandoning his spiritual nature, the animal man concentrates on satisfying appetites. This leads to empty lives, unbearable suffering, appalling inhumanity and an inability to distinguish good from evil.
Whoever wishes to avoid a similar life should read this book and others like it.

[Colin Baumgartner · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found a number of positive things about this text; the biographical information about San Juan de la Cruz’s captivity was engaging (though this information could just as easily be gleaned online). The poems of the saint were also sometimes engaging and moving.

This being said, the book was heavy on academic nonsense supplied by Nicholas that was repetitive and silly in its loftiness. Much of the text read like the silly verbal masturbation of a man too at home in an ivory tower, and happy to listen to the echo of his own droning, pedantic voice. Thanks to Nicholas for his translations of San Juan’s poetry and prose, but his commentary needs some heavy editing. Perhaps a session with Hemingway would help this book?

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

ST JOHN OF THE CROSS: Alchemist of the Soul is a collection by Antonio T. de Nicolas of writings by the 16th-century Spanish mystic, along with a brief biographical sketch.

The editing seems very amateurish and irrational. de Nicolas bitterly complains about how English-language writers call the saint St John of the Cross, asserting that Juan de la Cruz is the only option and all else is "colonizing" by the English language. A foreword is provided by Seyyed Hossein Nasr which begins by lightly praising the poetry of St John of the Cross before hijacking the foreward to laud the supposed Islamic forebears of the saint. Instead of seeing the saint as one faithful to the Christian faith, as history would suggest, the author and Nasr would rather see him as a liberator from the perceived evils of "organised religion". The same Church which canonised him is attacked as a force trying to suppress his writings and influence. This a bizzare book.

The actual writings of St John of the Cross are certainly worth reading. Fortunately, the original Castilian Spanish of the poetry is presented with an English translation on the facing page, enabling the reader with even the slightest grasp of Castilian the opportunity to see the saint's ingenious use of language. The prose consists of excepts from the Spiritual Canticle, Ascent of Mount Carmel, and Dark Night, in English translation only.

St John of the Cross is one of the greatest spiritual writers in history, with enormous influence down to our time (especially on T.S. Eliot). His writings are very highly recommended. However, I would suggest getting them through a different collection than this. The author's agenda in attacking organised religion is unpleasant, and certainly doesn't provide the edification which those attracting to the saint's work are often looking for.

[Stephen Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's very little to be said regarding the poet himself that has not already been said before: He was an accomplished Christian mystic with a gift for communicating the experience.

So, on to this particular edition. De Nicolas brings to the text his own considerable experience with Christian mystical praxis and this is invaluable both in interpreting the text and providing useful guidance in how to actually approach the work that John's poetry is indicating. Of particular usefulness is de Nicolas' explanation of primary, secondary and tertiary text, and of signs.

Overall an excellent introduction to Christian praxis that rewards the prepared mind.