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The Life of St Teresa of Avila by Herself

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Life of St Teresa of Avila by Herself is an intimate account of the life and spiritual journey of St Teresa of Avila, a prominent Spanish Carmelite nun and mystic. In her vivid and reflective autobiography, she delves into her inner experiences, divine visions, and the profound transformations that led to her reformation of the Carmelite order. Through her writings, readers gain insight into her struggles and triumphs in seeking a deeper connection with the divine.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by introspective spiritual journeys and the profound insights of one of Christianity's mystic saints. As an autobiography, it offers an intimate glimpse into the experiences, visions, and transformative life of Teresa, capturing her deep faith and spiritual struggles. Readers interested in historical religious figures or seeking inspiration from timeless spiritual wisdom will find this work particularly compelling.

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Born in the Castilian town of Avila in 1515, Teresa entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation when she was twenty-one. Tormented by illness, doubts and self-recrimination, she gradually came to recognize the power of prayer and contemplation - her spiritual enlightenment was intensified by many visions and mystical experiences.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Born in the Castilian town of Avila in 1515, Teresa entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation when she was twenty-one. Tormented by illness, doubts, and self-recrimination, she gradually came to recognise the power of prayer and contemplation.

Her spiritual enlightenment was intensified by many visions and mystical experiences, including the piercing of her heart by a spear of divine love. She went on to found seventeen Carmelite monasteries throughout Spain.

Teresa always denied her own saintliness, however, saying in a letter: "There is no suggestion of that nonsense about my supposed sanctity." This frank account is one of the great stories of a religious life and a literary masterpiece.

After Don Quixote, The Life of St Teresa of Avila by Herself is Spain's most widely read prose classic.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140440737

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 August 1987

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by J. Cohen

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 229g

Pages: 320

About the Author

St Teresa (1515-1582) entered the Carmelite convent in Castile when she was 21. Approaching her vocation with determination but no enthusiasm, she slowly realised God can be loved in and through all things. J.M. Cohen translated nine volumes for the Penguin Classics, including Cervantes, Montaigne, Rabelais and Rousseau. He died in 1989 and was described by the Times as "one of the great English men of letters".

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