Spiritual Classics

• An overview of the literature of personal spiritual awakening.

• 50 commentaries on 50 classic works: the story of each book's writing, their life-changing ideas, their impact, some representative quotes, the meaning of each book 'in a nutshell', and cross-referencing to similar classics.

• Includes thematic overview of the literature, list of 50 further classics and chronological list of titles.

• Now available in Audio format.

Testimonials & Reviews

"Reading 50 Spiritual Classics is an enlightening and often humbling experience. Whether it be 'The Discourses' of Epictetus (Enchiridion), or Pirsig's 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenence', the author displays a masterful ease which is commendable. Halfway through a chapter, one is often seized upon by an unstoppable urge to tear out, get hold of the title being commented upon by the author and read every page of it. And then one decides to exert self-control and continue with Bowdon's own book as it is just too difficult to put down."

"I chanced to see your book at the local store in Mumbai and trust me I have been raving about it since then - primarily because its a world in one book, and not just that it also provides several lives and lifetimes in one fabulous volume. I am keen to read more in detail about the books you recommended. Trust me on this, I shall be certainly spreading the goodness of your book by word of mouth here in Mumbai as much as possible, simply for the fact that it has improved me quite a lot."

"This book follows the format of Butler-Bowdon's previous 50 Self Help Classics and 50 Success Classics. In a clear and concise style he examines 50 texts ranging from ancient to modern, taking in many different forms of spiritual experience. The short chapters allow the reader to learn a lot with just a little effort... His language is intelligent and incise, but never dull or worthy. He has a dry sense of humour that makes reading his work a delight.
It's not just how Butler-Bowdon summarizes the books that makes 50 Spiritual Classics special. What he does is arrange the information to help the reader digest the sometimes complex ideas easily. You can read this book from start to finish, or if you find a particular stream of spiritual thinking more to your taste, follow that path by referring to the In A Similar Vein section...
I recommend this book to everyone who wishes to learn more about inner discovery, enlightenment and purpose, whether they consider themselves spiritual or not."

"A kaleidoscope of inspiration ...insightful commentaries on each classic and biographical information on the authors. A unique overview of spirituality."

"A thoughtful catalogue of the history of spiritual thought."

"Tom Butler-Bowdon has compiled the ultimate spiritual reading guide."

Amazon Reader Reviews

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Publication details

Original paperback with flaps, 234x156mm
Extent: 330 pages
Price: $US18.99, UK £12.99
ISBN: 1857883497

Date of publication:
UK March 2005
US/Canada May 2005
Australia/NZ May 2005

Nicholas Brealey Publishing
3-5 Spafield Street
Clerkenwell
London EC1R, 4QB
UK

100 City Hall Plaza
Boston
MA 02108
USA

Tel. 44+ (0)20 7239 0360
www.nbrealey-books.com

Distribution 

US: National Book Network

www.nbnbooks.com

Australia/New Zealand: Allen & Unwin, Sydney
www.allenandunwin.com
Tel: 02 8425 0100