The Seven Storey Mountain

The Seven Storey Mountain is Thomas Merton's autobiography, written at age 31 after becoming a Trappist monk at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. The book traces Merton's path from his birth in France through his years as a young intellectual in New York to his ultimate decision to enter the monastery. Published in 1948, the book became an unexpected publishing phenomenon, selling over 600,000 copies in its original hardcover edition. The work has been translated into more than 15 languages and has remained in continuous print since its release, with paperback sales exceeding three million copies by 1984. Merton recounts his transformation from an ambitious academic to a Catholic convert seeking a contemplative life. The narrative covers his early loss of faith, his years at Columbia University, and the events that led him to embrace Catholicism and eventually join the monastery. The autobiography stands as a testament to spiritual seeking and religious conviction in modern times, exploring universal themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning. Its enduring influence on religious thought and spirituality has earned it recognition as one of the century's most significant works of non-fiction.

Readers describe this as a brutally honest spiritual autobiography that resonates with both religious and non-religious audiences. Many connect with Merton's personal struggles, doubts, and transformation. Readers appreciate: - Raw, confessional writing style - Universal themes of searching for meaning - Details about monastic life - Historical context of pre-WWII America - Literary and philosophical references Common criticisms: - Dense theological discussions - Slow pacing in middle sections - Dated cultural references - Complex Catholic terminology - Some find Merton's tone pretentious Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (23,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Changed how I view faith and doubt" - Goodreads "Too academic and heavy for casual readers" - Amazon "His struggles mirror modern spiritual searching" - LibraryThing "The middle chapters drag with religious doctrine" - Goodreads

Apologia Pro Vita Sua by John Henry Newman Cardinal Newman's personal account of his journey from Anglicanism to Catholicism parallels Merton's spiritual transformation and intellectual wrestling with faith.

The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day Day's autobiography chronicles her path from communist journalist to Catholic social activist, documenting a conversion journey through social consciousness and faith.

Confessions by Saint Augustine Augustine's classic conversion narrative explores themes of spiritual seeking and intellectual transformation that echo through Merton's own story.

The Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux This autobiography of a Carmelite nun presents the path to religious life and spiritual development within monastery walls, reflecting Merton's monastic journey.

Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis Lewis traces his path from atheism to Christianity through his intellectual and spiritual development at Oxford, sharing Merton's experience of academic life leading to religious conversion.

🔸 The book was published in 1948 when Merton was just 33 years old, and became an unexpected bestseller, selling over 600,000 copies in its first year. 🔸 Before becoming a Trappist monk, Merton briefly joined the Communist Party while studying at Columbia University and wrote for various left-wing publications. 🔸 The manuscript was heavily edited by censors at Merton's monastery, who removed various passages they considered too frank or controversial, including details about his romantic relationships. 🔸 The book's success helped spark a wave of religious vocations in America, with many young men citing Merton's story as their inspiration for entering monasteries. 🔸 Evelyn Waugh, the acclaimed British novelist, edited the British version of the book and wrote its introduction, though he significantly shortened the text for UK readers.