Victor A. Kramer

Like the first three volumes of Merton's journals, this is a treasure, full of insight into the development of his work and the intellectual influences that contributed to it. Merton speaks of "the need for ripeness-for the slow finishing of the work of God in me." These journals offer remarkable insight into the ripening process and the personal struggle that accompanied it. They are also full of insight into a pivotal period in world history. Merton's comments on the Cold War, crises in Berlin and Cuba, the peace movement, and the direction of U.S. foreign policy are important as historical documents; but they often also exhibit a surprisingly contemporary relevance. As in Volume Three, Merton reflects relentlessly on what it means to be a monk. Part of the ripening that is evident in this volume is his maturing discernment of the relationship between his monasticism and his deep concern for the affairs of the world. There is no doubt that Merton is among the most influential thinkers of the twentieth century, particularly with regard to peace and interfaith dialogue. This volume of his journals, like the first three, is an indispensable aid to understanding and deepening the influence.… (mere)