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Raids on the Unspeakable (New Directions Paperbook),Used
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This collection of his prose writings reveals the extent to which Thomas Merton moved from the otherworldly devotion of his earlier work to a direct, deeply engaged, often militant concern with the critical situation of man in the world. Here this concern finds expression in poetic irony and in meditations intentionally dour.In these brief, challenging pieces, Father Merton does not offer consolation or easy remedies. He looks candidly and without illusions at the world of his time. Though he sees dark horizons, his ultimate answer is one of Christian hope. To vary the perspective, he writes in many forms, using parable and myth, the essay and the meditation, satire and manifesto, prose poetry and even adaptations from a medieval Arab mystic (Ibn Abbad) to humanize and dramatic his philosophical themes.The themes of Raids on the Unspeakable are as old as the myths of Prometheus and Atlas, and as timely as the human evils of today. They range from the 'Message' written for an international congress of poets to the beautiful yet disturbing Christmas meditation, 'The Time of the End Is the Time of No Room.' And there are essays inspired by the world of three significant contemporary writers: Flannery O'Connor, the French novelist Julien Green, and the playwright Eugene Ionesco. A number of Father Merton's own drawings are also included in the booknot as 'illustrations,' but as 'signatures' or :'abstract writings,' which stand in their own right as another personal statement.
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- Q: What is 'Raids on the Unspeakable' about? A: 'Raids on the Unspeakable' is a collection of prose writings by Thomas Merton that explores his shift from other-worldly devotion to a direct engagement with the critical situations facing humanity. It features meditations and essays that reflect on timely themes and human evils.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Raids on the Unspeakable' is Thomas Merton, a renowned writer and theologian known for his contemplative works and social critiques.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: 'Raids on the Unspeakable' is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: How many pages are in 'Raids on the Unspeakable'? A: The book contains 182 pages, providing a comprehensive collection of Merton's thoughts and writings.
- Q: When was 'Raids on the Unspeakable' published? A: 'Raids on the Unspeakable' was published on January 17, 1966.
- Q: What themes are explored in this collection? A: The themes in 'Raids on the Unspeakable' include human suffering, Christian hope, poetic irony, and reflections on contemporary issues, drawing from historical myths and personal experiences.
- Q: Can I expect illustrations in this book? A: Yes, 'Raids on the Unspeakable' includes several of Thomas Merton's own drawings, which are presented as personal statements rather than mere illustrations.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: 'Raids on the Unspeakable' is offered in new condition, ensuring that you receive a pristine copy.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, 'Raids on the Unspeakable' can be a valuable resource for academic study, particularly in fields such as theology, literature, and philosophy due to its rich content and critical insights.
- Q: What is the significance of the title 'Raids on the Unspeakable'? A: The title 'Raids on the Unspeakable' reflects Merton's exploration of profound and often difficult subjects that challenge human understanding and expression.