A Brief Guide to Spiritual Classics: From Dark Night of the Soul to The Power of Now

by James M. Russell

This very readable brief guide examines a wide range of spiritual writing that can be read for enjoyment or inspiration, including some books that come from beyond any religious tradition.

While written from within the Christian tradition, and offering introductions to the writings of medieval mystics, Quakers and modern evangelists, both Protestant and Catholic, it also looks at classics of secular spirituality and writings from different religious traditions.

Each book is explained to convey a brief idea of what each one has to offer the interested reader, while a 'Speed Read' for each book delivers a quick sense of what each writer is like to read and a highly compressed summary of the main points of the book in question.

This is an excellent reference to dip into, but within sections such as Early Christian Classics, Secular Texts, Lives of Inspiration and Alternative Approaches, the books are arranged chronologically, revealing some interesting juxtapositions and connections between them.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2016

About the author

James M. Russell has a philosophy degree from the University of Cambridge, a post-graduate qualification in critical theory, and has taught at the Open University in the UK. He currently works as a freelance writer, designer and editor. He is the author of A Brief Guide to Philosophical Classics, A Brief Guide to Spiritual Classics and A Traveller's Guide to Infinity. He lives in north London with his wife, daughter and two cats.

Reviews

[Brad VanAuken · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up for $3.99 on a remainder counter at Borders. It summarizes 54 books directly and many others indirectly. Each book summary is about 4 pages with an even shorter one paragraph “Speed Read” summary. I had read 14 of the 54 books that he describes. From the hundreds of spiritual books and authors that I have read, he picks out some of the best. This is a very fast read. I started it last night and finished it this morning. It is a good introduction to books that one who is on a spiritual path or just curious about religion and philosophy might want to read. His descriptions of the books that I had read generally rang true. At times, I wish this book had received more editing but I am happy to keep it on my bookshelf as a quick reference to new books of this genre that I will certainly want to read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a very handy guide to some very significant spiritual works. It starts with a focus on writings in the Christian tradition and broadens to secular writing and "new age" spiritual traditions in the modern age. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about matters of faith, as it provides signposts to the wealth of spiritual literature out there.

[Sparks Serenity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book because I was so fond of Russell's Brief Guide series of books. Another great journey of venturing into different belief systems, although mostly tied to Christianity, covers a wide variety of ideas. Russell has great and wonderful picks when it comes to classics from different genres and they compile it all together in such an easy way to digest, even for newcomers.

[Cordelicacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides short descriptions of a wide variety of writings that are spiritual in one way or another. It’s a superficial overview but useful as a guide on what to read if you are on a search for a spiritual read.

[Paul Parkinson]

Used it as kind of companion to Journey to the Heart. Nothing in depth, but lead me to their works.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still dont know if theres a god or not

[Book Grocer]

Purchase A Brief Guide to Spiritual Classics here for just $12!

This very readable brief guide examines a wide range of spiritual writing that can be read for enjoyment or inspiration, including some books that come from beyond any religious tradition.

Olly - The Book Grocer