The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross (ICS Publications)

John of the Cross is best known to Enlgish readers for his spiritual classic "Dark Night," though he is hailed as one of Spain's greatest poets for his many poems that reflect his love for God, and his desire to known and love God better (his fame in that sense is simlar to Rumi's in which these are often used as romantic peoms for lovers too). His writing in general exhorts people to love God, and reflect the idea that by purging one self of vices and cultivating virtues (chief among which are charity towards others and humilty in all) one will be better able to understand God's intentions for us and better able to love, which is the reflection of God to others. People he inspired included Therese of Liseux, Edith Stein, Teresa of Avila, and Pope John Paul II. "Dark Night," portrays the passive purification that one's soul experiences when growing closer to God. It was written after "Ascent of Mount Carmel," which gives instructions as to how a person should work to actively purge the soul of imperfections in order to move closer to God. Both of tehse wroks have many similariteis with yogic and Buddhist philosophy. The two works are deeply integrated and best read together. However, it is very difficult to find copies of "Ascent of Mount Carmel," since the work was incomplete. This volume offers one of the rare copies of this treasured text. "The Collected Works" were translated and organized by Kieran Kavanaugh and Otilio Rodriguez, both of whom are Carmelite priests. The translation is as easy to read, as one can find of John's work, whose writing style is not as accessible as that by other popular mytics such as Teresa of Avila and Catherine of Siena. The book comprises everything written by John of the Cross, including his poems and some letters. The authors preface each work with a background that gives a summary of its importance and the historical context in which it was written. The introduction of the book has an excellent abbreviated biography of John of Cross, and explains the influence that Teresa of Avila had on him and vice versa. The book's appendix has a glossary of terms which helps the reader better comprehend John's writing. The use of footnotes through out the text is not excessive and does not interrupt the flow of the writing by distracting the reader's attention, but rather provides essential information at junctures in which the reader might be thinking "what???" There is also a helpful timeline in the beginning of the book that juxtaposes John of the Cross's life to events in Spanish history and the life of the Church. Finally, the book includes drawings made by John of the Cross that he designed to articulate his ideas to those he instructed. I can think of no better book with which to study John of the Cross in the English language, and when the book presents his drawings and poems, it offers the Spanish version next to the English.

I was almost dissuaded from buying this by Ms Ramirez' review but having all of John's works in one book was too much to resist, and I'm very glad I went ahead and bought it. Concerning the "old" English translation so admired by Ms Ramirez, it certainly sounds very beautiful but it is also very difficult to understand whereas this translation by Kavanaugh and Rodriguez is extremely easy to read and grasp. Sound and rhythm have their attraction, but I'll take understanding any day. Who among you honestly gathers more insight from the King James version of the bible as opposed to the NIV? The same principle applies here. The Collected Works does NOT read like a "text book", the layout is wonderful and the value of having all of John's works in hand is inestimable. Buy it, treasure it - it holds the full depth of true Christianity within it's covers. Indeed, it is a map of the landscape leading to heaven by one who knows the Way, and in simple terms understandable to all.

This is the collected works by John of the Cross, a Christian mystic known for his deep relationship with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Both he and Teresa Avila are the chief mystics in the Western Christian tradition. Included in this collection are most of his works. These include his poetry, "Dark Night of the Soul," "Ascent of Mount Carmel," "Spiritual Canticle," "Living the Flame of Love," and "Sayings of Light and Love." Also some other random material is included. The works are rendered in beautiful English from the original Spanish (in the poetry section the original Spanish is listed too). John is the official patron of poetry for Spain, and if you read his works, you'll know why.

St. John of the Cross is one of the most famous mystics in the Catholic Church, as well as the world. He was a Carmelite priest, and lived - and suffered - in 16th century Spain, along with the equally famous Teresa of Avila (the two had great admiration for each other). He left behind a body of work that is classic in mystical literature - maxims on the spiritual life, instructions as to preparation, purification and ascent to God (The Ascent of Mount Carmel), the perils and trials of the spiritual life (The Dark Night of the Soul), and fruition and union with God (The Living Flame of Love and The Spiritual Canticle). His depth of thought, the profundity of his knowledge of God, and the beauty of his poetic writings rank him as a master in the mystical life. He uses, at times, difficult and verbose descriptions (certainly deep), which should not frighten off someone willing to read his writings. One must appreciate the fact that each saint has their own language on these matters, and that it is filtered through their personality, so while his "stages" may not perfectly match Teresa of Avila's (or any other saint's), the truth in the background is what counts, and is edifying, inspiring and illuminating. He is, today, a master teacher and model in spiritual matters, which go from leading an upright life, to purification (by God) of one's life, to trials (the dark night) meant to purify us, strengthen our faith and instruct us, to fruition and union with God, always stating that it is God's will as to His dealings with souls, so no two people can expect exactly the same paths, experiences or, even, necessarily, outcomes. Concerning this, he gives advice, warning, and illumination as to temptations, dangers, and expectations. I recommend his writings for their holiness, their helpfulness, and their sheer beauty, and counsel potential readers not to be frightened off by their "apparent" obtuseness.