Pilgrim Souls: A Collection of Spiritual Autobiography

by Elizabeth Powers, Madeleine L'Engle (Introduction), Amy Mandelker (Editor)

What is the source of personal writing? When do we begin to consider our own lives worthy of a story? These powerful and passionate selections of spiritual autobiography do not merely represent a vital literary tradition; they bring together fifty-eight writers whose search for truth and understanding has spanned over two millennia and several continents.
From Saint Augustine and Rabi'a to T. S. Eliot and Kathleen Norris, each of these autobiographers tells the story of the inner life as a spiritual quest. Although separated culturally, historically, and linguistically, they are united by their efforts to respond to Socrates' challenge to "know thyself." In four parts this insightful collection includes works
* Wanderers and seekers, like Leo Tolstoy and Thomas Merton, who feverishly explore many experiences and world views
* Pilgrims and missionaries, like Anne Bradstreet and David Livingstone, who unwaveringly pursue God and holiness in lives of self-sacrifice
* Mystics and visionaries, like Julian of Norwich and Annie Dillard, who discover the ecstasy of epiphany in a life of contemplation and seclusion
* Scholars and philosophers, like Simone Weil and Blaise Pascal, who seek to ground spiritual conviction in a rational certitude.
Strong, deep, and enduring, the selections in this illuminating anthology remind us that "the unexamined life is not worth living" and speak to us with an immediacy that transcends time and space.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Biography

544 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 1999

Reviews

[Emily Briano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this for $1 at McKays. I think it will be one of my best buys ever.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, as although these many stories all fall into the category of “spiritual literature” they span many years and many people. I found it amazing how there were so many perspectives that could be found, but how they all centered around a specific theme.
I found that there was so much inspiration to be found for refinement of one’s actions and beliefs, and one in particular was Bradstreet’s insistence that gratitude should be universal.
I would recommend this, even for those who are not fans of anthologies.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for someone exploring great writers, thinkers and artists. The individuals are men and women who sought the answers to the big questions in life.

This is a great book to pick up to explore some of these people for the first time. Included in the essays are Biblical names (David and Moses) right up to the 20th Century (C.S. Lewis and Kathleen Norris).

If you are a seeker, if you enjoy reading about the spiritual lives of others, then this book may be for you. Published in 1999, with an Introduction by the late, great Madeline L'Engle, this is sure to entertain and inform readers.

Highly Recommended.

[Richard Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a very worthwhile read, with different writings from many authors and spiritual traditions:
from King David to Dag Hammerskjoeld;
St. Augustine to Annie Dillard;
St. Paul to Tolstoy; as well as authors from the Judaic tradition, Islam (specifically Sufism), even the Stoic tradition as exemplified by Marcus Aurelius.
Shows how each one of these individuals discovered or was affected by a spiritual practice in their lives. A good book if you’re wondering about your own faith, or perhaps wandering from it. Gives a very good and balanced perspective.

[Daniel Seifert · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthology of "spiritual" autobiographical writings categorized by 1) Wanderers and Seekers (Tolstoy, Merton), 2)Pilgrims and Missionaries (Livingstone, Bradstreet), 3) Mystics and Visionaries (Julian of Norwich, Anne Dillard), and 4) Philosophers and Scholars (S Weil, V Frankl).

This is one of those text I pick up on occasion when I am am personally wandering and trying to locate a bearing.

[J. Alfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, inspiring reading. Well-chosen collection of some wonderful folks serving a God Who can be difficult to serve. Note that three of the more recent ones mention C.S. Lewis as a distinct help in the intellectual struggle toward christianity. (Lewis, oddly enough, doesn't.)

[JOANNE MACPEEK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tough read - good material for discussion