Trappist: Living in the Land of Desire
Written at least partly as a companion piece for a PBS documentary of the same name, this beautiful book seeks to express the spirit of monasticism through an examination of one Trappist (Cistercian) monastery, Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina. Downey (systematic theology and spirituality, Saint John's Seminary, Camarillo, Cal.) has spent much time with the monks of the abbey, and the result is a portrait that goes beyond simple description to the essence of the daily life, purpose, and motivation of the Trappist. The superb accompanying photographs perfectly complement the text, resulting in a simple yet affecting volume. Some of the specifics in this short book are of limited interest to most readers, and anyone expecting an in-depth study of Trappist thought or history will be disappointed. Still, for collections with an interest in this area and for those seeking materials to feed the current appetite for books about spirituality (e.g., Cloister Walk, LJ 3/15/96), this makes an excellent choice.?Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., N.Y.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.