Synopses & Reviews
This is the most stunning book on prayer that I have ever read. It will become the benchmark for every other work on the subject, present or future. The Zaleskis' massive scholarship, catholicity of interests, and clarity of presentation make this a volume to hold close to both the heart and the head. -- Phyllis Tickle, author of The Divine Hours
This landmark book presents prayer in all its richness and variety throughout history, across traditions, and around the globe. Focusing on extraordinary stories of lives changed by prayer and on great works of literature and art inspired by it, Philip and Carol Zaleski map the vast world of prayer from the sacred pipe to the rosary, from Paleolithic cave art to Pentecostal revivals. They reveal the fascinating experiences of such great and sometimes surprising figures as Emily Dickinson, Bill W., Teresa of Avila, Mohandas K. Gandhi, Samuel Johnson, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Examining prayer as petition, thanksgiving, adoration, contemplation, ecstasy, magic, and sacrifice, the Zaleskis probe the language of prayer, the fruits of prayer, its controversies, and its prospects for the future.
Prayer is an informative, accessible, and entertaining narrative that will appeal to an audience of all faiths. The Zaleskis have created a work that will be the standard for years to come.
Philip Zaleski is the editor of the Best American Spiritual Writing series, author of The Recollected Heart, and coeditor, with Carol Zaleski, of The Book of Heaven. He is a senior editor at Parabola and a research associate in religion at Smith College.
Carol Zaleski is the author of Otherworld Journeys and The Life of the World to Come, and coeditor of TheBook of Heaven. She contributes a monthly column to Christian Century and is a professor of religion at Smith College.
Prayer: A History is not only a fabulous, very readable, immensely informative and (I would even say) 'inspirational' volume. It is, to my mind, simply unmatched in the vast literature on what lies, after all, at the heart of the religious life. The Zaleskis range over history (even prehistory), art, literature, theology, and comparative religion -- a real tour de force. But throughout, they engage any reader -- specialist or not -- and never flaunt their impressive learning. They help us understand the unending human quest for meaning at its deepest level. -- Harvey Cox
Prayer is simply a wonderful book -- intelligent, beautifully written, important, inclusive, and completely useful. I wish every world leader would read it word for word today. We'd all be better for it. Carol and Philip Zaleski have been making extraordinary contributions to religion and spirituality for many years, and now they have outdone themselves. -- Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul
Everybody prays. Whether with faith-filled discipline or in the unanticipated aspiration, prompted by despair or ecstasy, calling out to the Unknown, everybody prays. Everybody who is serious about prayer will be grateful to the Zaleskis for this inspired and inspiring book. -- Reverend Richard John Neuhaus, editor in chief of First Things
Review
"Unusually probing and thoughtful."
Review
"This religious practice has rarely received the sort of careful cultural analysis the Zaleskis offer . . . This sweeping cultural history illuminates the abiding influence of prayer in shaping human thought and behavior."
Review
"A fabulous, very readable, immensely informative, and (I would even say) 'inspirational' volume." --Harvey Cox, author of When Jesus Came to Harvard and The Secular City
"A lovely, interesting new book . . . Philip and Carol Zaleski explore this most personal of religious practices in an ecumenical spirit." The New York Times Book Review
"Unusually probing and thoughtful." Christian Science Monitor
"This is the most stunning book on prayer that I have ever read. It will become the benchmark for every other work on the subject, present or future." --Phyllis Tickle, author of The Divine Hours
"An essential resource for living in our multifaith world." Spirituality and Health Magazine
"The Zaleskis are impressive in their knowledge, and they share what they know in an entertaining way." --National Catholic Reporter
"A significant achievement. The authors' learning and generosity of spirit will lead their readers into unfamiliar territory and reveal new depths in the familiar." --First Things
"A wonderful read . . . Any serious student of prayer will learn a good deal from this book." --America
"This religious practice has rarely received the sort of careful cultural analysis the Zaleskis offer . . . This sweeping cultural history illuminates the abiding influence of prayer in shaping human thought and behavior." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
"Intelligent, informed, generous, ecumenical observations." The New York Times Book Review
"A grand and human compendium, fascinating on every page. It's witty, moving, and full of interesting facts and funny stories." --Annie Dillard
"Thought-provoking and soul-uplifting . . . There's an engaging ease to the Zaleskis' prose, and humor pops through regularly." Los Angeles Times
"A wonderful book -- intelligent, beautifully written, important, inclusive, and completely useful." --Thomas Moore
Synopsis
This landmark book presents prayer in all its richness and variety
throughout history, across traditions, and around the globe. Focusing
on extraordinary stories of lives changed by prayer and on great works
of literature and art inspired by it, two of today's most versatile and
admired authorities on religion map the vast world of prayer from the
sacred pipe to the rosary, from Neanderthal funerals to Pentecostal
revivals. Carol and Philip Zaleski reveal the fascinating experiences of
such great and sometimes surprising figures as Emily Dickinson, Bill W.,
Teresa of Avila, Mohandas K. Gandhi, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Examining
prayer as petition, thanksgiving, adoration, contemplation, ecstasy, magic,
and sacrifice, the Zaleskis probe the language of prayer, the fruits of
prayer, its controversies, and its prospects for the future.
Synopsis
This landmark work presents prayer in all its richness and variety throughout history, across traditions, and around the globe. In a thorough and fascinating look at this spiritual practice, two of todayand#8217;s most versatile and admired authorities on religion probe the language and fruits of prayer, its controversies, and its prospects for the future. With a focus on extraordinary stories of lives changed by prayer and on great works of literature and art inspired by it, Prayer: A History promises to be the standard on the subject for readers of all faiths.
About the Author
'PHILIP ZALESKI, editor of The Best American Spiritual Writing, is the author of many acclaimed books on religion, including The Recollected Heart, Gifts of the Spirit, and The Book of Heaven. His most recent book is Prayer: A History, written with Carol Zaleski. He is a senior editor at Parabola as well as a research associate in religion at Smith College.CAROL ZALESKI is the author of Otherworld Journeys and coeditor, withPhilip Zaleski, of The Book of Heaven. She contributes a regular column to Christian Century and is a professor of religion at Smith College. The authors live in Northampton, Massachusetts.'