The Mysticism of the Cloud of Unknowing

The Cloud of Unknowing was the work of an unknown 14th-century English writer with a powerful message of God's unconditional love in the face of despair. Johnston's theological treatment of this and other works by the same writer makes a conscious comparison with Oriental ways of contemplation.

This theological treatment of the work of an anonymous 14th-century English writer, originally published in 1967, explores the influences of Eastern ways of contemplation on Christian mysticism. Johnston, a Catholic priest living in Japan and active in the Christian/Buddhist dialogue, provides commentary on the treatise, some historical context for the world in which it was written, and ways to incorporate its ideals into modern life. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

"For centuries, mystics have groped for words in which to account for the supreme reality of this experience which not only illuminates a man's mind and fills his heart with new strength, but even radically transforms his whole life. All this is said in classic and unforgettable pages by The Cloud of Unknowing, the work of an anonymous fourteenth-century English writer. . . Originally published: New York : Desclee Co., 1967. With new pref.