The Cloud of Unknowing - Paperback

A luminous masterpiece of Christian mysticism—the timeless 14th-century guide to contemplative prayer and the path of unknowing that leads to union with God.

Written by an anonymous English monk in the late 1300s, The Cloud of Unknowing is one of the most profound and accessible works of Christian mystical theology ever written. Through practical, compassionate guidance, this unknown spiritual master teaches the way of apophatic prayer—the practice of approaching God not through thoughts and images, but through love and the darkness of unknowing.

What you'll discover:

• The practice of contemplative prayer and the prayer of silence
• How to approach God through love rather than intellectual knowledge
• The "cloud of unknowing" between humanity and the Divine
• Practical guidance for the contemplative life
• The relationship between active meditation and passive receptivity
• How to let go of thoughts and rest in God's presence
• Timeless wisdom on humility, patience, and spiritual transformation

This spiritual classic has guided contemplatives for over 600 years, influencing mystics from John of the Cross to Thomas Merton. The author's voice is warm, practical, and deeply encouraging—speaking directly to the soul with humor, wisdom, and profound insight into the nature of prayer and divine union.

Part of the HarperCollins Spiritual Classics series, this edition presents the text in accessible modern English while preserving the beauty and depth of the original. Whether you're new to contemplative prayer or a seasoned practitioner, The Cloud of Unknowing offers a transformative path into the mystery of God's love.

About the author: The author remains anonymous, known only as a 14th-century English monk and spiritual director. His wisdom transcends time, speaking to seekers across centuries and traditions who long for direct experience of the Divine.

Perfect for: Christians seeking deeper contemplative practice, students of Christian mysticism, practitioners of centering prayer and contemplative spirituality, readers of Thomas Merton and Richard Rohr, those interested in apophatic theology, and anyone longing to experience God beyond words and concepts.

This paperback edition includes 176 pages of transformative wisdom—a guide for the journey into the cloud of unknowing where God dwells.