The Essential Henri Nouwen

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) is, along with Thomas Merton, one of the most enduringly popular spiritual writers of the twentieth century - and, like Merton’s, his popularity has continued to grow in the years since his death. He was a Dutch Catholic priest and theologian who abandoned a stellar academic career teaching at Harvard and Yale to spend his life living in a community of mentally handicapped people in Toronto. Beset by personal demons and intense suffering of his own, he made his life and struggles an open book, inviting his readers to find happiness in the midst of their own brokenness and pain and showing them how to do it. His books have also been well liked by non-Christians. This compact collection brings together all of Henri Nouwen’s principal ideas and themes into an attractive gift-worthy volume. It’s a perfect introduction to his teaching and a great source of inspiration for anyone. Praise for Henri Nouwen: ‘One of the world’s great spiritual writers, Nouwen left behind a wealth of insights that have brought encouragement and have ministered to thousands’ - Christianity Today . ‘For all who read his books, Henri Nouwen was a prophet and monastic, saint and mystic. In his compassionate identification with the many outcasts labelled 'disabled’, we may gain insight into discerning what is truly vital for us all’ - Atlanta Journal and Constitution .