'On the Shoulders of Giants' (which shall hereafter be referred to as OTSOG) is the quintessential study of the nature of academicism. It is thinly disguised as a dissertation into the origin (and originality) of Newton's famous aphorism 'If I have seen farther, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.' However, once the reader finds himself confronted by what might or might not be an attack on Richard Burton (the one that wrote 'The Anatomy of Melancholy'), suspicions grow, and in short order one begins to understand that a leg or two is being pulled.

Of course, it does not end there. Displaying the kind of dazzling scholarship that most academics can only aspire to, Merton zigzags across the intellectual horizon on a quest for the lighter side of truth. In doing so, he exposes many of the pretensions of scholarly work, plagiarism and specious logic. Leaving no stone unturned, we are as likely to find ourselves in pursuit of Tristram Shandy as we are to be wandering through the transept of Chartres Cathedral. All in a mad search to uncover who really used OTSOG first.

It needs to be said that Merton is, on his own, an extremely respected sociologist, one who often has used the scientific and academic world as the focus of his remarkable eye. OTSOG sets out to make points by mimicking its subjects rather than lecturing about them. Whimsical and witty, it still touches on serious issues while exposing a great deal of fascinating minutia. Certainly it is a one of a kind work that enjoys a large cult following among those who are reluctant to take themselves seriously. Look out for Umberto Eco's foreword and Merton's riposte-face as well.

Every scholar should this wonderful, joyous book

with Sterne. He comes off third best. First, of course, is the master himself. Second, comes Umberto Eco for his witty, catholic and erudite Forward. Nonetheless, Merton treads where no others have dared in his re-creation of the "Shandean" style. For this, alone, he deserves credit (and reading.) Because Merton chose real characters it was inevitable he failed to reach the pinnacle achieved in Sterne's fictional master-creation: Uncle Toby--one of the great characters in all literature. Do read Merton, and Tristram Shandy.

Thomas Merton said, "Nhat Hanh Is My Brother," coming to this conclusion after meeting him but once.
Robert H. King traces the paths of these two men toward their historic meeting, yet respects their differences and the differences between Christianity and Buddhism. According to King, the contemplative practice which each of them followed in his own tradition led both of them into an active role in worldly affairs and to a deep respect for each other and for one another's tradition. King sees here the start of a fruitful inter-religious dialogue and the beginning of relationship between very different traditions.
I really enjoyed hearing how these two men, from such very different backgrounds, arrived at a similar place of "engaging" the world and its problems.
Anyone interested in learning about contemplation, either Christian or Buddhist, will find much to think about in this book.

Sept 11 demands a new perspective on old issues. Dr King gives readers just that with a beautifully written, fascinating look at these two peace advocates, who tried to expose the true face of peace hidden by the clouds of political dust during the turbulent Sixties. This is an elightened look at bringing major religions together for peaceful exchange.

Helen Rose Ebaugh began researching this book while a Catholic nun, and ended it as an "ex-nun" and married woman. Don't let that fool you. This fascinating book is not an attack on organized religion, or a defense of it. It is instead an exploration of social "roles" each one of us inhabits, and the curious and usually painful process of leaving one or more of those roles behind. Her contention is that no matter what role we are leaving (anything from a marriage--'husband' or 'wife' being the role left--to leaving a religious group to [even!] sex-change via surgery) there are commonalities in the process that will tell us much about both ourselves and our former and future roles. As an evangelical Christian who is part of an intentional community, I read this book initially to try and understand why former members of our community (Jesus People USA) sometimes became so angry with us, and interpreted their time with us so negatively. Ebaugh's book enlightened me somewhat on that score. But for anyone trying to understand "conversion" TO a role, this book is an interesting corellary. Also, see David Bromley's "The Politics of Religious Apostasy."