Bread in the Wilderness (New Directions Classic)

As one who has undertaken reading the Divine Office as often as I can, this book has been a revelation and has heightened both my understanding and my desire to make it part of my daily prayer regimen.

I commend New Directions for issuing a facsimile reprint of the original of this valuable book. Who would not say that here is a publishing company of enduring and impeccable taste? I have a copy of the original cloth bound book- it is beautiful, and easily one of my top twenty favorite books. I believe this is the book that comes most surely from Merton the poet. His consideration of the Psalms is inspired; the language in this book is as severe and ecstatic as are the Psalms themselves, and his insight into their relevance is without peer. The brevity of Merton's exposition is part of its potency. Nothing is wasted. Like the Psalms themselves, the veins of this book run deep in kingly rivers, announcing the heart of God like a morning song. Merton's interior acquisition of that song is of epic intensity, yet simple as clean water. I believe "Bread in the Wilderness" surpasses even "Seeds of Contemplation" in directness, common heart, and indeed artistic beauty. It's an indescribably beautiful book that moves, aches and rocks, and leads one, ultimately, to the inmost core of revelation, which is, after all, believability. Merton's references to the Psalms can be traced like a monk's thread throughout all of his writing, from the earliest books up through the posthumously published Journals. This book gives us a clear understanding of how constantly faithful Thomas Merton remained not only to the brilliant song of the Psalms themselves, but to the music of his own exceeding heart. And the woodcut Christ on the cover is so unfailingly Cistercian! This is a book that will live forever.

Aunque lo comencé a leerlo con reservas por ignorancia o desorientación, reconozco que mientras vamos adentrándonos en la temática, se convierte en un libro hermoso y sorprendente. El autor se despega mucho de las posturas que alegamente confesaba, abriéndose a un libro espiritualmente edificante, ameno y entendible.

Bread in the Wilderness, a classic by Thomas Merton so well known for bringing an enthusiasm for things of God to the Twentieth and Twenty-first century, was first published in 1953. It has been reissued by New Directions Publishing in the original large format text design with the original illustrations of a medieval crucifix at Perpignan, France. The photographs of this crucifix, taken by J. Comet, are presented in varied detail and perspective throughout the book in such a way as to complement the text. The text design, itself, is by Alvin Lustig as in the original, and presents the dropped or hanging running page information suggesting a crucifix and subtly informing the entire meaning of the book. For anyone interested in book design this volume is a valuable resource. Those who see a shocking modernity in medieval artwork and the depiction of faces high up in church and cathedral detailing will be interested as well. As for the writing itself and its importance, it is enough to say that the first chapter, based on the psalms, lays claim to its lastingness when Merton himself says, "the Psalms are one of the most valid forms of prayer ... of all time."

The Psalms spells out the story of Jesus’ life and purpose, centuries before He was born. Merton speaks to the quiet and contemplative.

Merton explains the meaning behind the Psalms as a genre and how they fit into our lives and religious practices. This book does not go through any of the psalms in great detail.

As always, Thomas merton is amazing. This book was in great condition. Thanks!

Merton's beautiful words.

I have poor balance and I find it difficult to use with nothing to hold onto.

An illuminating and delightful book! It is a treasure to be cherished, and used from time to time to inspire,and reinvigorate our daily prayer! As one critic says of the book; " This is ....a glorious opening out of the riches of the Psalms for contemplation and personal prayer."

Very Good