The Cloud of Unknowing

by Anonymous, James Walsh, Evelyn Underhill, et al.

Book Overview

Paulist seems to have hit upon exactly the right subject at exactly the right time." Theology Today "The series offers a perfect opportunity both to acquire and to read those classics that are more talked about than read." Christian World THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING edited, with an introduction by James Walsh, S. J., preface by Simon Tugwell, O.P. "So set yourself to rest in this darkness as long as you can, always crying out after him whom you love. For...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809123320
• ISBN13: 9780809123322
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: Paulist Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fine study edition of the Cloud

The Cloud of Unknowing is a mystical tract from 14th century England, probably written by a Carthusian monk for a young novice. The work is about contemplative prayer and the mystical union with God through the path of via negativa, or letting go of all concepts, images and ideas of God and creatures and approaching God's bare essence or Being which is veiled in mysterious darkness. This work is one of the finest works of mystical contemplation ever composed, and contains beautiful advice and wisdom relevant to modern contemplatives. This edition also contains a valuable introduction to the Cloud which attempts to reconcile the Cloud author's theology with that of Thomism. While the Cloud author knew Thomism, intellectual theology was not so much his concern (though he is clearly aware of it through Thomas, Richard of St Victor, and Denys the Aeropagite) but mystical union with God. This is what makes the work so powerful spiritually, as does the author's obvious deep experience of the spiritual life.

May all be revealed...

It is perhaps perfectly appropriate that the author of `The Cloud of Unknowing' is himself or herself unknown. This is a spiritual classic, a masterpiece in the real sense of the word. The style of writing is grand, well-versed and perfectly in concert with the subject; the ideas contained are some of the most sublime and inspired pieces of writing ever written in the English language. The book does not subscribe to any particular denominational or institutional framework, making it a piece of art and wisdom available to the whole of Christendom, and even appeals to those outside the formal bounds of Christianity. In the preface to this edition by the Paulist Press, Simon Tugwell compares this work with C.S. Lewis, Plato, with other Christian mystics and theologians, with good reason. `The Cloud of Unknowing' is part of a chain, influenced by and in turn influencing many other mystical writers. This is not a work of philosophy or apologetics, as the author is not concerned to prove the existence of God or set up any sort of metaphysical framework which must be accepted. The world around us is a given, and God is a given, and our task is to order our attention and love toward God so that it incorporates and includes the reality that is around without distraction. One perhaps hears echoes of this in Tillich's ultimate concern?One of the things that makes `The Cloud of Unknowing' a popular piece on an ongoing basis is this respect for reality. The author does not require super-human feats of contemplative power; this would be to deny the reality of the creature that we are, as God's creation. Contemplative work must be done in tandem and in cooperation with the rest of our life's needs. The virtuous life is one in accordance with nature (for the most part), making creation a blessing rather than a curse - one can hear echoes of Meister Eckhart here, perhaps; like Eckhart, the author of `The Cloud of Unknowing' also looks not for enlightenment through rational means or higher attainments but through the depths of our souls. There we will find God, for if God is all, then we can certainly not be at the centre, even of ourselves.This edition of `The Cloud of Unknowing' begins with a scholarly introduction, as do the other volumes in this wonderful series by the Paulist Press. Unlike most other volumes, there is no `author' to highlight in a biography; while there is some virtue in not knowing the author, there has been a great deal of scholarship, both speculating on the identity of the author, and other work looking at the type of person the author would be and influences that might have impacted the author. The introduction gives some good information in this regard, not only with regard to the writer, but also to the one to whom this writing is addressed. The editors give Phyllis Hodgson's conjecture that the intended reader was not a scholar; some have believed that it was intended for a communal audience. The main point of the writ

Fabulous book, difficult to explain.

This is a sort of humanistic psychology book that speaks of Western Christianity. Ira Progof has done just a fantastic job of captivating his audience. It is a translation of one of the classics of Christianity, but it is written in laymans terms and just absolutely brilliant. Ira Progof does the best job of translating this classic guide to spiritual experience that I am now looking for other books written by him. The translation speaks so well of inner depths and souls and things you may have always wondered but were never really sure of spiritually. I found myself staying up late at night, anxious to finish, but not anxious to end it! I may just read it again. There are passages that are so deep and so meaningful that I found myself reading them over and over. Some may find these passages I speak of vague, and they are. Yet they are worth understanding. This book takes effort and the pay-off is astounding.