St. John of the Cross

Men celebrated by later generations normally achieve fame through their contribution to a particular area of human endeavour.

San Juan de la Cruz (1542-91) achieved greatness on two counts; in the realm of spirituality, as a mystic; in literature, as a poet.

He stands at a high peak in the mystical tradition of the Christian West.

The Mystical Doctor of The Roman Catholic Church, he is also regarded by many as one of the greatest lyrical poets that Spain has ever produced.

To understand and explore his work, both sides of his achievement must be examined.

San Juan the man is elusive. But there could scarcely be a stronger contrast than with the lively and forceful personality revealed by the other great representative of sixteenth-century Spanish mysticism: St Teresa of Avila.

She herself chose San Juan to assist her in the task of reforming the Carmelite order.

Steven Payne shows how the roots of the Western mystical tradition go very deep and the discovery of Dionysius profoundly altered the direction of this tradition.

Interest in St John of the Cross is not confined to Roman Catholics, and many outside the Christian tradition are also profoundly influenced by his teaching.Here is as clear an exposition as it is possible to find of the life and teachings of the diminutive Carmelite Friar whose influence has been so very profound.