Wisdom of the Desert (Desert Fathers)

Within these pages lay some the greatest ascetic wisdom a pen has ever etched. What is within these pages are the words, thoughts and lives of some of the greatest men and women who left everything in the known world to find their calling within the desert. During the fall of the Roman Empire, (300-500 A.D.) there was also a migration of all walks of life and country leaving what was then the mightiest known empire, who had bestowed upon its citizens all that they could hope for. Some were wealthy, some were not, what mattered most was their inner commitment to God and the acceptance of the ascetic passage in their quest for unification with God. From within the rugged terrain of the, Lower Egyptian to the Sinai Desert, these individuals came to live out there remaining existence among the most barren and hospitable area. Such things were in stark contrast to the glories of Rome. Some of these men and women have come to be absolute pillars with the Christian community to both the lay and the religious personnel who make up our brothers, clergy, and sisterhood. Without these vary individuals within this book, what we have come to know and treasure, as our Christian doctrine and heritage would not be as it is today. From the caves and towers comes the likes of St Anthanius, St. Anthony, John Climacus, Paul the Hermit, Abbot Serinus, just to name a few. These men have helped shape our understanding of God and how to approach Him. This indeed is a well-documented work showcasing their insight of both the hearts and thoughts of humanity as we come to struggle and deal with our weaknesses. This work has been completely re-edited, supplemented with numerous footnotes to facilitate the geographical background, people, and events. The introduction is superbly presented, with key factors initially addressed laying down a map, which can be easily discerned. This book not only is a stand-alone piece of literature and history, it is also a superb introduction to the Desert Fathers Series. I invite you to peruse through this marvelous edition and find your bezels of wisdom, for within are numerous treasure waiting to be uncovered.