From Publishers Weekly
Even though the Roman Catholic Church tried hard to suppress its German Dominican priest, Meister Eckhart (1260-1327), by excommunication and condemnation, his writings have remained influential. Eckhart has been especially important among those seeking ways to connect Eastern religious traditions to Christian ones. The problem is that Eckhart's writing is difficult reading, losing much in translation not only from German to English but also from the 13th to the 20th century. O'Neal has produced an exceptional introductory edition that makes Eckhart more accessible. O'Neal's edition is an important introduction to Eckhart's work in that it draws the best texts from the most successful translations and, from them, produces a rich tapestry of presentation for this often quoted and little understood Rhineland mystic. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
That Meister Eckhart is among the most important of Christian mystics is beyond dispute, so any collection that makes his work accessible to a wider audience is welcome. This new collection assembles material from existing translations along with a foreword by an important contemporary Benedictine mystic. The material is organized with an eye toward easing readers into Eckhart, beginning with short quotations then moving to table talk, sermons, and other longer pieces. That is not a bad organizational strategy, though readers may find it more exhilarating to plunge into Eckhart then swim slowly back toward the beginning. Read the book backward; start with Eckhart, then consider David Steindl-Rast's foreword and the editor's introductory note--both full of excellent advice and useful information for second and subsequent readings. Steve Schroeder


Language Notes
Text: English (translation)

ANNOTATION

Meister Eckhart was a German Dominican priest whose writings form a huge part of the foundation of the Western mystical tradition. Though condemned by the Church and excommunicated at the end of his life, his influence on people from a range of spiritual traditions has remained strong. Includes 10 German woodcut illustrations and ornaments.

FROM THE PUBLISHER