Thomas Merton (1915-1968), Catholic convert, Cistercian monk and hermit, poet, contemplative, social critic, and pioneer of interreligious dialogue, was a seminal figure of twentieth-century American Christianity.
Jon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and one of religionβs most respected writers. His many books include James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus, in the βPeople of Godβ series; The Pope Who Quit, which was optioned by HBO; and The Popeβs Cat, a popular fiction series for children. He edited A Course in Christian Mysticism by Thomas Merton, published by Liturgical Press. Sweeney writes regularly for America in the US, and The Tablet in the UK. He is the publisher at Paraclete Press in Massachusetts, and lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife and daughters.