The Foundations of Mysticism: Origins to the Fifth Century

Now available in paperback, this is the first volume of the highly-praised landmark trilogy The Presence of God: A History of Western Christian Mysticism. "A book to be treasured".--Spiritual Life.
In this first volume of the highly-acclaimed Presence of God series, Bernard McGinn explores the origins of Christian mysticism, from early Jewish apocalyptic writings to pre-Christian Greek contemplative thought; the New Testament witnesses; early Greek Patristic thought; and the contribution of early monastic practice. In Part 2, McGinn discusses Western Christian mysticism proper, with special attention to Augustine of Hippo. Of special interest is the now-influential appendix, which reviews various theoretical approaches to mysticism.