John Michael Talbot is probably better known as a recording artist than an author, but he has an extensive publication list too, particularly in the areas of music ministry as well as spirituality. Steve Rabey similarly has many publications to his credit, including articles in periodicals and newspapers. Together they form a good team to provide information in an accessible form about a special group of people in the Christian tradition - the mystics.

Not all mystics are created equal. Mystics come in all shapes and sizes, and can be found in almost every denominational and religious framework. Talbot and Ramey wanted to stick close to their own Christian tradition with this book; the figures included here are both Catholic and Protestant, including some from the era of the undivided church. There are eight men, four women, and one unknown person representing a wide range of historical periods.

This is in many ways meant to be a practical book - that is, it relates the history, teaching and insights of the mystics to the broader range of Christian practices. 'In the Christian tradition, sacraments like Holy Communion or the Eucharist of the Lord's Supper provide a public means for believers to share in such mysteries. Spiritual disciplines like prayer and meditation provide a more private means for such connection.'

The earliest figures represented in this book are the Desert Fathers, with St. Antony in particular a highlighted figure. The most recent figure highlighted in Thomas Merton. Between these two, nearly two thousand years of Christian history can be found. These are in many ways pioneers, as Talbot and Rabey describe them in the introduction. 'If you are a Christian, these pioneers are part of your spiritual legacy.'

In my seminary, we taught a class at the beginning of the degree, required of all students in the primary ministry programme, that surveyed the different practices and different denominational aspects of Christianity, because so many people come to seminary with only the experience of their own denominational tradition (and sometimes with only the experience of their own congregation) - that course introduces people to the wider range of possibility for Christian expression, showing valid practices and traditions from within the Christian tradition that are authentic even if different from what people are used to.

This would be an excellent book for that course, and an excellent book for those who want a similar experience, of discovering the different ways in which Christian mysticism can be expressed and incorporated into one's own regular practices. Each section concludes with a 'Learning more about...' section, and each includes pull-quote boxes with highlights, and timelines that connect the particular individual focused upon with the wider Christian and historical context.

Each chapter can be read in a short time, but a good deal of time for contemplation should be permitted. Essays are not simple recitations of writings, key ideas, or biographical sketches, but rather serve to introduce the spirit of the figure in relation to today's world - for example, George Fox is likened to the hippies of the 60s in both his nonviolent message and his manner of vagabond lifestyle.

This is a wonderful text by which the beginner can learn more about the mystical practices and key figures of Christian history. It is also a good book for those with more advanced training to refresh the memory of the people with new insights.

Good, succinct overview of these fascinating people. An easy read, with a nice bibliography for further study on each mystic. My only complaint -- I know way more about John Michael Talbot and his comunity and music than I needed!