Most Popular Books by James Harpur

Boethius'' reputation as a poet is reestablished in these fresh and thoughtful versions.

"Drawing on contemporary accounts and a wealth of illustration, Sacred Treks captures the atmosphere of pilgrimage through the ages. Divided into three sections - "Early Paths," "Medieval Roads," and "Modern Ways" - the book describes every aspect of pilgrimage past and present, from the practicalities of setting out, to the difficult conditions of travel, to the great sites such as Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, and Canterbury. The book looks at the pilgrims themselves, from St. Brendan, who is said to have cast himself adrift, letting God guide his search for a paradisal holy island, to the penitents, cure-seekers, and adventurers who in the Middle Ages set out for the unknown in their millions."

The heart of the Christian faith is a direct encounter with God so profound that it can be referred to as union. It is an experience that cannot be described in words, but it can be glimpsed--in the radiant lives of the men and women called mystics. Here James Harpur presents the stories of some of the most influential Christian mystics from the past two thousand years. He provides their historical and ecclesiastical contexts, as well as appreciations of the unique contributions of each of them to the ongoing articulation of the way of love and union. Love Burning in the Soul is a comprehensive and highly readable survey of the great Christian mystical tradition for everyone. Included are: Clement of Alexandria * Gregory of Nyssa * John Scotus Eriugena * Bernard of Clairvaux * Hildegard of Bingen * Francis of Assisi * Mechtild of Magdeburg * Meister Eckhart * John Tauler * Jan van Ruysbroeck * Gregory Palamas * Richard Rolle * Julian of Norwich * Catherine of Siena * Jacob Boehme * George Fox * Teresa of �vila * Fran�ois F�nelon * Jean Pierre de Caussade * William Blake * Pierre Teilhard de Chardin * Thomas Merton * Many others

Presents the history of the Crusades, including the organizational problems, the multiple political alliances, biographies of notable figures on both sides of the conflict, and the reasons for the final defeat of the Europeans.

A new perspective on early Irish history with the travels and travails of saints.

At the heart of James Harpur’s The White Silhouette is a meditative poem inspired by the Book of Kells – a poem that follows threads into themes such as the nature of the divine, the efficacy of sacred art, and the way of silence. The title poem – described in the TLS as a ‘compelling spiritual memoir’ – is a haunting journey of ‘missed encounters’ in the landscapes of Wiltshire, Tipperary, and Patmos. Elsewhere, Harpur writes about pilgrimage, the Perseids, mystical experiences, and icons and iconoclasm – from Rublev’s golden images to decapitated angels in Galway. He complements his explorations of the sacred with more directly personal poems, including elegies and elegiac translations from Homer and Horace. Harpur’s poetry is distinguished by its lyric grace and mythohistorical resonance. The musical texture of his lines conveys the warmth, clarity and intimacy of a voice exploring the mysteries of natural, human, and metaphysical worlds. The White Silhouette is the richest summation of his spiritual journey to date.

Drawing on legend, myth and sacred traditions, this work features poems that explore universal forces - seen and unseen, personal and cosmic - shaping people''s destinies, and the signs by which their patterns are revealed.

What was Jesus of Nazareth really like? What effect did he have on those he met and befriended? How did he impart his teachings and perform his miracles? These are the questions that James Harpur explores through Joseph of Arimathea, one of the most enigm

Celtic Myth: A Treasury of Legends, Art, and History

A captivating journey through the lives of Christian mystics--from the early Church to the twentieth century.

Much of Christian tradition is based on numerous miracles that Jesus performed during his ministry in Palestine 2,000 years ago. Elegantly written by authors trained in theology, classics, and interfaith issues, this collection recounts the eyewitness reports of Jesus'' miracles, clarifies historical context and explains their spiritual significance. Classic paintings depict dramatic moments, while contemporary photographs show actual locations and cultural artifacts of Jesus'' time.

Provides spiritual insight and historical context for the events of Paul''s life

The pyramids of ancient Egypt, Nubia, Sumer, Babylon, and Mexico are covered in detail.

Pilgrimage in the Western world is enjoying a growing popularity, perhaps more so now than at any time since the Middle Ages. The Pilgrim Journey tells the fascinating story of how pilgrimage was born and grew in antiquity, how it blossomed in the Middle Ages and faltered in subsequent centuries, only to re-emerge stronger than before in modern times. James Harpur describes the pilgrim routes and sacred destinations past and present, the men and women making the journey, the many challenges of travel, and the spiritual motivations and rewards. He also explores the traditional stages of pilgrimage, from preparation, departure, and the time on the road, to the arrival at the shrine and the return home. At the heart of pilgrimage is a spiritual longing that has existed from time immemorial. The Pilgrim Journey is both the colourful chronicle of numerous pilgrims of centuries past searching for heaven on earth, and an illuminating guide for today''s spiritual traveller.

This work looks at history from the fall of Rome to the destruction of Constantinople. Topics covered include chivalry, war, religion and the crusades.

Evocative essays describe religious sites and explain the spiritual significance of each as well as it connections with religious leaders and holy figures. Color photographs and paintings capture the detail of cathedrals, mosques, and ancient shrines.

This work brings to life the experiences of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and their families. At the same time, it firmly places their lives within their historical context, and interprets their spiritual significance.

A collection of poems with perennial themes such as love, death and time, and intimations of the numinous in the natural world.