John Welch, O. Carm., Washington Theological Union
"John of the Cross comes alive as a human being greatly in love with God and God's world."

Marilyn Palermo, T.O.Carm., Regional Coordinator, Lay Carmelite Order
"A skillful and thoroughly wonderful journey with John of the Cross!"

Keith J. Egan, Aquinas Chair in Catholic Theology, Saint Mary's College and Adjunct Professor of Theology, Nore Dame University
"Hardy's life of John of the Cross will benefit both scholars and a general audience."

Jane Ackerman, Department of Philosophy and Religion, University of Tulsa
"Individuals and groups making a first-time study of John will welcome Hardy's thoughtful new book."

Book Description
St. John of the Cross, great mystic of the Christian tradition, knew suffering first-hand: his personal "dark night" included exile, imprisonment, starvation, abuse. Yet, sustained by tremendous faith and steeped in an enormous love for God and for humanity, he surrendered to the Divine and was drawn through his experiences to a profound compassion for and solidarity with others. This engaging biography is the perfect introduction to--or an enjoyable re-acquaintance with--a man whose life, writings, and spirituality have illuminated the Christian world. Includes a guide to reading the works of John of the Cross, photos and color reproductions of masterpiece artwork, and an extensive annotated bibliography.

From the Author
What I have tried to do in this book is to present this man, Fray Juan de la Cruz (1542-1591), as I have come to know him. I have written it for anyone who is interested in coming to know him as a human being who became, through and in his life, a man of God, a saint. I have written it to help those who would like to read his writings and understand them more clearly as guides on their journey to divine union and full human life.

About the Author
Richard P. Hardy received his doctorate at the University of Strasbourg, France, and is a professor of Christian Spirituality, lecturing in the United States, Canada, Philippines, and Hong Kong. His workshops, retreats, and conferences on Carmelite spirituality focus particularly on St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. He lives in San Francisco.