The Book of Mystical Chapters: Meditations on the Soul's Ascent, from the Desert Fathers and Other Early Christian Contemplatives

(Paperback)

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This is an exquisite collection of short writings of the early Christian mystics presented as a programme of spiritual study. This unique anthology consists of 300 short meditations, rendered in simple free verse, by Christian contemplatives from the fourth to the eleventh centuries. The book features teachings of the Desert Fathers, the legendary monks who fled city life in order to dedicate themselves to a life of contemplation.

Reviews

"A rare and well-conceived foray into Christian mysticism." Publishers Weekly

"McGuckin has lit on the brilliant idea of rescuing the Desert Fathers' and Mothers' sayings in simple free-verse form, which emphasizes the compression and power of their wisdom. This book will make a welcome addition to the renewed interest in early Christian ascetics." Library Journal

Author Bio

John Anthony McGuckin is a Professor of Early Church History at Union Theological Seminary in New York City and a priest of the Orthodox Church. Born in Newcastle, England, he is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the author of nine books, including Standing in God's Holy Fire- The Byzantine Tradition and At the Lighting of the Lamps- Hymns of the Ancient Church.