About the Author

James Finley is a contemplative retreat leader, a core teacher at the Center for Action and Contemplation's Living School, and a retired clinical psychologist. He is the author of several books including Merton's Palace of Nowhere, The Contemplative Heart, and Christian Meditation.

Reviews

"This book is ... not primarily about Merton. Rather, it is a book about our spiritual journey, for which Merton offers ideas, suggestions and necessary encouragement, but in which he never becomes the object of interest himself.... James Finley has chosen to lift out of Merton's works the theme of our quest for a spiritual identity." --Henri J. M. Nouwen (from the foreword)"May the clear and compelling message of this book encourage us all to follow along the authentic path of Christian discipleship." --Br. Patrick Hart, O.C.S.O., Abbey of Gethsemani"James Finley is a superb mentor of spiritual transformation. Merton's Palace of Nowhere contains a gold mine of wisdom. It is a book that will never leave my library. There are always more nuggets of spiritual growth in this book that wait for my discovery." --Joyce Rupp, author of Boundless Compassion"This now-classic text celebrates its fortieth anniversary of publication on the fiftieth anniversary of Thomas Merton's death. In the intervening years, James Finley's poetic and insightful exploration of the true self and Merton's many contributions to the spiritual life has proven an invaluable resource and guidebook. With this new edition, more readers will have the opportunity to accompany Merton's former novice in learning to see themselves, the world, and God with renewed vision." --Rev. Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M., author of The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton"Few people can write with as much authority on Thomas Merton as can his former student James Finley. Let Finley, in this new edition of his now-classic book, introduce you to one of the greatest spiritual masters of our age, and the man whose writings changed many lives, including my own."--Rev. James Martin, S.J.