By Paul Harris and Laurence Freeman

John Main (1926–1982) is one of the twentieth century’s most important spiritual guides. His teaching on meditation has transformed thousands of lives and his influence continues to grow. In this book we meet the man who discovered an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Gospel, the letters of St Paul, the teachings of the fourth-century Desert Fathers, and the English spiritual classic The Cloud of Unknowing..

This collection of personal reminiscences by John Main’s family, friends and colleagues is often funny, sometimes touching, always illuminating. Each one adds a new dimension to our understanding of the man and his teaching.

The significance of the book is summed up by Father Laurence Freeman, John Main’s spiritual successor. ‘It is important,’ says Fr Laurence, ‘to see how John Main’s pilgrimage and mission were fully inserted into his humanity. The contributions to this book help us to understand how all the pieces fit together. As a group, they demonstrate that it is the authenticity of his life that in the final analysis teaches us.’