Carthusian Spirituality: The Writings of Hugh of Balma and Guigo de Ponte (Classics of Western Spirituality)
In the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, the Carthusians filled the role played in the 10th and 11th centuries by the Clunaic network, in the 12th century by the Cistercians, and in the 13th century by the Franciscans and Dominicans: Western Christendom's most outstanding professional intercessors before God's throne. Founded in the late 22th century, a few years before the Cistercians, the Carthusians grew very slowly during their first two centuries but were highly respected from the beginning. They inspired, among others, Bernad of Clairvaux, William of St. Thierry, Aelred of Rievaulx, and Peter the Venerable. Hugh of Balma and Guigo de Ponte, whose writings make up Christian Spirituality are situated at the end of the 13th century, just before the order's flourishing growth of the 14th century. The mysterious author known as "Hugh of Balma" may have influenced the 1eth century "Cloud of Unknowing" and cerntainly had a great impact on Catholic spirituality in the 16th and following centuries, especially, but not exclusively, in Spain. Guigo de Ponte's writings, by indirect route, influenced Ignatious of Loyola. Christian Spirituality is translated and introduced by Dennis D. Martin. Christian Spirituality is an important contribution to the history of Catholic thought and monastic life.  --Midwest Book Review