The Cloud of Unknowing: With the Book of Privy Counsel cover art

The Cloud of Unknowing: With the Book of Privy Counsel

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The Cloud of Unknowing: With the Book of Privy Counsel

By: Carmen Acevedo Butcher - translator
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
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About this listen

This anonymous fourteenth-century text is the glory of English mysticism, and one of the most practical and useful guides to finding union with God ever written. Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s new translation is the first to bring the text into a modern English idiom - while remaining strictly faithful to the meaning of the original Middle English. The Cloud of Unknowing consists of a series of letters written by a monk to his student or disciple, instructing him (or her) in the way of Divine union. Its theology is presented in a way that is remarkably easy to understand, as well as practical, providing advice on prayer and contemplation that anyone can use. Previous translations of the Cloud have tended to veil its intimate, even friendly tone under medieval-sounding language. Carmen Butcher has boldly brought the text into language as appealing to modern ears as it was to its original readers more than five hundred years ago.Also included in the volume is the companion work attributed to the same anonymous author, The Book of Privy Counsel, which contains further advice for approaching God in a way that emphasizes real experience rather than human knowledge.

©2009 Carmen Acevedo Butcher (P)2014 Audible Inc. Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Buddhism Christianity Collections Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Feel Better Meditation

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Wait for this to be recomended rather than listen to know the message. This can not be hoarded intellectually no more than gold is used as a paperweight. You can not know or understand it nor follow it as a procedure. It will already be in place, as your path moves beneath your feet. Top marks! Thankyou so much.

Feels as it sounds.

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A magnificent book which clearly explains and teaches the essentials of 'how to sit with god'.

Beautiful Grace

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Listened to this on retreat. Really got into it. It is a 14th century classic and stands in the Tradition of true Christian Mysticism from the earliest days of the desert fathers and has influenced so many saints. Brilliant. Learn here how to simply be in the presence of God beyond the chatter of ideas, flood of emotions, distractions. Gloriously and peacefully alone with God. The finest medicine true and ancient Christianity can offer you. Good narrator: young and fervent, not distracting.

Absolute classic of western spirituality

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If you're interested in contemplative prayer for Christians, this book is for you. And it's one of the best translations of an ancient text I've ever heard/read, by which I mean that it's in easy-to-understand, relatable language

Pretty impressed.

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There is a great deal in this text on which to reflect. The reader is excellent but the speed at which the material is covered demands that one pause and consider deeply what one has heard, and that one return to it again and again.

Worth returning to again and again

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A simple, sensitive translation that conveys what the unknown author intended for his audience.

If you want inspiring, practical guidance and advice you can use every day for the rest of your life, get this book. You won’t regret it.

The Cloud of Unknowing

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This book is so relevant today. It is like a hidden treasure and the translation is beautiful. Thank you so much for your effort Carmen and the performance is excellent!

Beautiful

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It is not often I review a work with text, the stars say it all, but here in this listen I am transported into a new place where you can rest in Truth and grace of the inner life of Divinity as Christ must have done meditating on the mountain - transforming his complete being for his works to be.

Powerful points and structure for your life of prayer. It is a serious listen, listen without judgment, enable the beauty of these voiced words awaken the innermost desires to seek and know God for yourself.

Simply beautiful

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The beauty and simplicity of the words in this book having been translated in such a way that make it so viable in our modern time is truly a work of genius by the original author and an awesome achievement by the translator.

Everything within it points to something so profoundly simple that it makes life worth living if one can truly embrace the practice of it.

Life Changing

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What a gem! Generally I prefer listening to audiobooks that are being read by the author. However for this particular audiobook IMHO it sounds like the narrator is the actual author (who is 'unknown') that seems to be whispering the text by candlelight in medieval times! The content and translation resonates with me too which is great! Excellent, Thanks !

Ps. Also thank you Amazon for including this in the Audible subscription! Very pleased, Thanks

Awesome! IMHO Best non-author narration - bar none

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