After an extensive and informative introduction covering Teresa’s childhood, her life as a nun, and her work as a foundress, Kieran Kavanaugh presents a valuable selection of writings from the Spanish mystic’s works, illustrating her interior experience and remarkable teaching on prayer.

With an informative and extensive introduction covering Teresas early life, her life as a nun, and her work as a foundress, Kavanaugh sets the stage for a valuable selection of writings from the Saints works, divided into two sections. The first set centers on Teresas growth in the spiritual life, particularly her life of prayer. The second part focuses on the copious store of her contemplative experiences which shed light on the Christian mysteries. Also includes a chronology of Teresas life and a selected bibliography. Fr. Kavanaugh’s excellent introduction to St. Teresa’s understanding and experience of Christian contemplation is required reading for anyone desiring a deeper prayer life. Kevin Culligan, O.C.D. Institute of Carmelite Studies, Chicago, Ill. Kieran Kavanaugh, who has given us such fine contemporary translations of Teresa, here focuses on the rich content of Teresa’s contemplation, seen through a prism of many colors, from the darkness of the abyss to the bright light of the interior Sun. Tessa Bielecki Author of Teresa of Avila Mystical Writings