The Abbey of Gethsemani Place of Peace and Paradox

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: A great book! Not at all a "book about Thomas Merton", as the person casually acquainted with Merton and Gethsemani might expect. Rather, this book tells the history of Gethsemani, of which Merton was just a part. This book works well as a coffeetable book, a bedtime read, or a material for quiet contemplation. All in all, a beautiful book, well made, well written, and fun to browse or read.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: A great book! Not at all a "book about Thomas Merton", as the person casually acquainted with Merton and Gethsemani might expect. Rather, this book tells the history of Gethsemani, of which Merton was just a part. This book works well as a coffeetable book, a bedtime read, or a material for quiet contemplation. All in all, a beautiful book, well made, well written, and fun to browse or read.

Rating:
Summary: A handsome, thoughtful, insightful history
Review: As editor of the Thomas Merton Site, I receive many books about Merton. The Abbey of Gethsemani tops them all. Its description of monastic life is unequalled! Using the theme of Abbots that have led the Abbey since 1848, one senses the spectacular holiness of the place. On December 21, 1998, I went to the 150th anniversary of the Abbey. Since I had just completed Dianne Aprile's book it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. A Holy Book to be Treasured!

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful book worthy of much praise!
Review: Being a native of Bardstown, Kentucky, I immediately got hold of the first copy of this book I could find. I am a video production editor for a local television station in Bardstown and have always been much aware of Gethsemani. However, this book has provided with much information that I never before was aware of. Thanks to the author for writing and putting this book together. It is beautifully done. And for anyone who hasn't ever been to Gethsemani, come on down and experience it for you'll never forget it... -John A. Coulter

Rating:
Summary: worth the read
Review: History of the 150-year-old Trappist Monastery in Kentucky, just 40 miles south of Louisville. Made world-famous by its most famous monk, Thomas Merton, who died in Bangkok. Full of archival pictures. Beautiful, coffee table type book, but not too well-written. Confusing at times. Aprile tended to not always be cohesive; she rather jumped around a lot. Am so sorry they did away with the farm. Poignant remark by its current abbot, that the celibate life needs something to care for. It did propell me to spend a week there last summer, and what a wonderful place it is. I need not worry about its survival; you must call four months in advance to go there on retreat.

Rating:
Summary: worth the read
Review: History of the 150-year-old Trappist Monastery in Kentucky, just 40 miles south of Louisville. Made world-famous by its most famous monk, Thomas Merton, who died in Bangkok. Full of archival pictures. Beautiful, coffee table type book, but not too well-written. Confusing at times. Aprile tended to not always be cohesive; she rather jumped around a lot. Am so sorry they did away with the farm. Poignant remark by its current abbot, that the celibate life needs something to care for. It did propell me to spend a week there last summer, and what a wonderful place it is. I need not worry about its survival; you must call four months in advance to go there on retreat.

Rating:
Summary: family album
Review: I highly recommend this beautiful book not only for the photos but for the rich spiritual content, when you open it you feel like opening a family album

Rating:
Summary: Majestic,peaceful and holy
Review: The Abbey of Gethsamani was the first Trappist monastery in the USA,brought over by French monks in the mid 1800's. It was, of course most famous as the home of the late thomas merton[fr. Louis, o.c.s.o},author of the 7 storey Mountain and over 70 other books, diaries etc. it is through Merton that most of us heard first of this place located in the hills of Kentucky.Ms. Aprile has, along with the abbey's collection of photographs and articles, put together a simply beautiful book. there is so much more here tehn the late great Fr. Merton. The periods are divided into the various abbots tenures,leading up to the near present and Abbot Timothy Kelly{who resinged as abbot last winter} The history of not only the monastery and its environs is told, but more, the history of American Catholicism is here. Every major catholic figure,ecclisiastic or secular made their way through Gethsemaniat one point,and much of it is chronicled here. the photos are wonderful and evocative, the care taken with this book is evident throughout.the book itself is handsome to hold, the pages of fine quality,heavy bonded paper,the photos crisp and clear. A very well done book, highest quality highly, hugely recommended.