Follow the Ecstasy: The Hermitage Years of Thomas Merton

by John Howard Griffin, Robert Bonazzi (Editor)

The author of Black Like Me takes readers inside the world of Thomas Merton, presenting an intimate look at the last critical years of his life--the period that coincided with the monk's long-sought permission to withdraw to a hermitage on the monastery grounds of Gethsemani. This edition includes a rare selection of Griffin's photographs of Merton and his hermitage.

Genres: Spirituality, Biography

158 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

John Howard Griffin was a white American journalist who is best known for his account, Black Like Me, in which he details the experience of darkening his skin and traveling as a black man through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia in 1959. (The racism that he encountered was so disturbing that he cut short the time that he had allotted for this very unique experiment, clearly demonstrating that no one would tolerate being treated as many blacks are, if he or she could possibly avoid it.)

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griffin lived in Merton's hermitage with first access to the Jounals and has recreated the final three years of Fr. Louis' life. As the official biographer, Griffin health prevented him from finishing the work and left this as a second draft. The author has a great insight into his friend's monastic life and Merton's soul.

[Lew Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this multiple times and always find new insights into Merton’s mind, heart, and world. This fascinating and intimate account adds perspective to Merton’s contemplative journey and prompted my own visit to the grounds at Gethsemani. A must read for anyone interested in Merton or their own contemplative trek.

[Ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book that will be read more than once.