This intriguing expose not only traces Merton's remarkable journey through life, but it also explores the various deposits of his vast literary heritage. Pennington one of the leading spiritual writers of our times was a close friend of Merton. As a fellow Cistercian monk for many years he can understand as few others can the life-style and concerns of Thomas Merton. Chapters deal with Merton's quest for interior freedom his growth to compassion his attraction to the Orient and its mysticism his vast literary output. Pennington's personal recollections of their times spent together allows his writing an original warmth that cannot be found elsewhere.