The Cloud of Unknowing

by Evelyn Underhill, GP Editors (Contributor)

Written in Middle English sometime in the latter half of the 14th century, ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’ is an anonymous work of Christian Mysticism. Surviving to us in only seventeen known manuscripts, it is meant as a spiritual guide of contemplation upon God. The work advises not to seek a better understanding of God through knowledge and intellect, but rather to surrender oneself to the darkness of the realm of the “unknowing”.
It is here, whereby the abandonment of consideration of the particular attributes of God, which it is argued cannot truly be known to man, is replaced with intense contemplation that may lead to an understanding of the true nature of God. A fascinating work of Christian literature, its abstract and at times paradoxical argument will give great insight into the mind of the Medieval Christian mystic.

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

Reviews

[Deryk Rumbold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this in Old English almost feels counterintuitive to its message of contemplating God in a plain manner. Several times found myself needing more context behind phrases and words which is a bit frustrating on the translation end because it does have some great wisdom to be adapted for the everyday man. A work that should be accessible to all, I most certainly will return to this with a different version. We do not think our way to God.

[Faith Flaherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look at this old book. The binding is falling apart. This book has been on my bookshelves for a long- long time. I finally committed myself to reading it. The Cloud of Unknowing is touted as the greatest thing since the invention of toilet paper. I knew I had it, but when I took it off the shelf, I thought I couldn’t read that! It was falling apart! So I bought a new edition.
Nice looking, slim volume. I chose this translation because it was translated by Evelyn Underhill. I don't remember if I've ever read anything of hers, but I go to her lecture studies. She's well quoted. Looking at the prologue, she states:

"This edition is intended, not for the student of Middle English, nor for the specialist in mediaeval literature; but for the general reader and lover of mysticism. My object has been to produce a readable text, free from learned and critical apparatus. The spelling has therefor been modernised throughout: and except in a few instances, where phrases of a special charm or quaintness, or the alliterative passages so characteristic of the author's style, demanded their retention, obsolete words have been replaced by their nearest modern equivalents."

It's the exact opposite. Underhill's edition is unreadable. So much, for nice, shiny volumes!

My old, unattractive volume, by William Johnston is written for anybody. Underhill's copyright is 1922. Johnston's is 1973. Compare the translations:

Underhill -- The First Chapter Ghostly friend in God, thou shalt well understand that I find, in my boisterous beholding, four degrees and forms of Christian men's living: and they be these, Common, Special, Singular, and Perfect.

Johnston -- Chapter 1 My dear friend in God, I would like to pass on to you what I have roughly observed about the Christian life. Generally, it seems to progress through four ascending phrases of growth, which I call the Common, the Special, Singular, and the Perfect.

See. Would you rather be a "ghostly friend in God," or a "dear friend in God."

Hence, I chose to read Johnston's translation. Once in awhile I compared it to
Underhill's, but Johnston's is much more understandable.

So don’t judge a book by its cover. How did I like the Cloud of Unknowing? I wasn't impressed. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, and Francis de Sales, An Introduction to the Devout Life, and even Catherine of Siena's the Dialogue were all about the same subject, "how to converse with God." I like Nike's advice better, "Just Do It."

[Matt Culler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great material when understandable - I need to find a more modern translation of this book.

[Hans Wulffraat · Rating 3 out of 5]

intriguing but hard to get through the old English sentences.