The Abbey of Gethsemani: Place of Peace and Paradox, 150 Years in the Life of America's Oldest Trappist Monastery

About a month ago, I visited The Abbey of Gethsemani for what I officially said was a retreat, but like so many people who have visited the abbey, I loved THE SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN and wanted to see where Thomas Merton lived and wrote. The tourist in me wanted to see Merton's hermitage, which I did not see. It was in use at the time-the nerve of those monks for actually using it for the intended purpose. Well, I didn't have to see the hermitage to experience the special qualities that make Gethsemani a place like no other. History, tradition, beauty, simplicity and complexity all combine to create the spiritual life at Gethsemani where God's presence is found. Dianne Aprile's book is a coffee table sized book that tells the story of Gethsemani, the good as well as the not so good. We see a monastery that survived against the odds, hit its peak during the years of Thomas Merton, and still has a mission and purpose today. The book is somewhat sanitized in comparison with other works available, but unlike many of the other works which tell of visits to Gethsemani, the author was writing an official history of the Abbey for its one hundred and fiftieth had unprecedented access to photographs and documents which makes this book indispensable for anyone interested in Trappist life in general and especially to people interested in the Abbey itself. The book begins with a general introduction to the Trappist life and then tells the history of Gethsemani during each abbot's governance of the abbey. We see how the life in the abbey in many ways reflects life in the United Stets and the fabric of Catholicism in America. I read most of the book while I was at Gethsemani so I could ask questions and discover the behind the scenes story. I finished it when I got back home and since that time I've reread passages as a means of revisiting the monastery, if not in person, at least vicariously. I'm sure I'll treasure this book in years to come and encourage anyone with even a remote interest in Trappist life to consider this book.

A great book! Not at all a "book about Thomas Merton", as the person casually acquainted with Merton and Gethsemani might expect. Rather, this book tells the history of Gethsemani, of which Merton was just a part. This book works well as a coffeetable book, a bedtime read, or a material for quiet contemplation. All in all, a beautiful book, well made, well written, and fun to browse or read.

The Abbey of Gethsamani was the first Trappist monastery in the USA,brought over by French monks in the mid 1800's. It was, of course most famous as the home of the late thomas merton[fr. Louis, o.c.s.o},author of the 7 storey Mountain and over 70 other books, diaries etc. it is through Merton that most of us heard first of this place located in the hills of Kentucky.Ms. Aprile has, along with the abbey's collection of photographs and articles, put together a simply beautiful book. there is so much more here tehn the late great Fr. Merton. The periods are divided into the various abbots tenures,leading up to the near present and Abbot Timothy Kelly{who resinged as abbot last winter} The history of not only the monastery and its environs is told, but more, the history of American Catholicism is here. Every major catholic figure,ecclisiastic or secular made their way through Gethsemaniat one point,and much of it is chronicled here. the photos are wonderful and evocative, the care taken with this book is evident throughout.the book itself is handsome to hold, the pages of fine quality,heavy bonded paper,the photos crisp and clear. A very well done book, highest quality highly, hugely recommended.

Having been a frequent visitor to the Abbey for many years, I was cheered by Ms. Aprile's intelligent and insightful history. I first visited in the late 50's, when my uncle was one of the monks. Years later, I discovered that the round-faced monk who held me on his knee was Thomas Merton. Aprile's book brought back a flood of memories of those days. A beautiful achievement!

As editor of the Thomas Merton Site, I receive many books about Merton. The Abbey of Gethsemani tops them all. Its description of monastic life is unequalled! Using the theme of Abbots that have led the Abbey since 1848, one senses the spectacular holiness of the place. On December 21, 1998, I went to the 150th anniversary of the Abbey. Since I had just completed Dianne Aprile's book it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. A Holy Book to be Treasured!