Seven Storey Introduction

[Leslie]

When I read this Introduction and Paul Elie's book on Merton, The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage, I felt struck by how Merton at times was such a man of the world. He was raised in France, lived in NY, was educated, travelled, and remained well versed in the events of his times. Yet, this man essentially made the contemplative life "cool." His autobiography inspired people all over the world to seek a deeper level of involvement in their own religious life, regardless of their starting point.

Ironically, the Trappist monastery wasn't his first choice and the book we are reading was not his own idea. Key moments of his life were censored out of this writing and the New York Times refused to include it in the bestseller list.

Still, something quite beautiful remains and inspires, even to this day.

I have two other books on Merton that were given to me.
The Vision of Thomas Merton by Patrick F. O'Connell
The Human Journey: Thomas Merton: Symbol Of A Century by Anthony T. Padovano

I haven't had a chance to read these myself, but I'm posting them in case they may interest you.

[Michael]

Can you link me Merton's autobiography here Leslie?

[Leslie]

The Seven Storey Mountain