title: A Vow of Conversation: Journals, 1964-1965
author:  Thomas Merton 
description: During the years 1964-65, Merton sought, and was finally given, permission to live alone in his hermitage at the Abbey of Gethsemani. These years were criticalhe had to balance commitment to the demands of the monastic community with the call to a more solitary lifeand the writing from that time is consequently charged with disappointments and uncertainties, as well as quiet reflection and humor. Merton's frustration with church complacency and the censorship of his ideas is evident, a factor that probably hindered publication of this journal until now. But he also records musings, dreams, the visits of special friends. A very personal piece of writing blending "heavenliness and anguish," wherein unfolds its special appeal. Carol J. Lichtenberg, Washington State Univ. Lib., Pullman<br />Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
zlib_text: Thomas Merton
  Turning Toward the World
  The Pivotal Years
  EDITED BY VICTOR A. KRAMER
  
  Inexorably life moves on towards crisis and mystery.
  August 16, 1961
  
  Contents
  vi
  Epigraph
  ix
  Acknowledgments
  xiii
  Introduction: Toward Crisis and Mystery
  1
  PART I:
  The Promise of a “Hermitage”
  May 1960-December 1960
  83
  PART II:
  The Continuing Need to Question
  January 1961-December 1961
  191
  PART III:
  Seeking the Right Balance
  January 1962-December 1962
  283
  PART IV:
  Gifts of Qulet and Nature
  January 1963-July 1963
  353
  Index
  About the Author
  Other Books by Thomas Merton
  Cover
  Copyright
  About the Publisher
  
  Acknowledgments
  Numerous persons have assisted me in the preparation of this journal. Above
  all, the monks of the Abbey of Gethsemani have provided an atmosphere of
  quiet and continuing support during my many visits to that monastery and
  when I have telephoned. Brother Patrick Hart, as friend and as General Editor
  of The Journals of Thomas Merton, has tirelessly answered questions about
  everything from