The Letters of Thomas Merton and Victor and Carolyn Hammer

"This volume is an unexpected treasure. The extent and depth of the correspondence is a revelation of a mutually influential and beneficial friendship among kindred spirits."—Patrick O'Connell, author of The Vision of Thomas Merton

"This volume is essential reading for an understanding of Victor Hammer's extraordinary life and talent and Thomas Merton's ability to sustain deep and lasting friendships. Scholars . . . will find these letters . . . informative."—Forthcoming in Cithara

"These letters tell the story of a tender and deep friendship among artists. . . . The letters, chronologically arranged, communicate an evolving kinship beginning with artistic collaborations, expanded through human, spiritual and artistic concerns/challenges, and celebrated frequently with the little picnic or visit — and agape of sorts. . . . The story of this exceptional friendship awaits all readers of Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam."—The Merton Seasonal

"This source will be essential for any student of Thomas Merton."—Kentucky Libraries

"The letters admirably capture the complexity and curiosity of Merton, and the warmth of one personal friendship that sustained him throughout his many intellectual and theological ventures."—Catholic Library World

"The value of these letters lies principally in the light that they shed on Merton's thinking about art, besides giving us a vivid picture of a friendship. There is very much to enjoy in these letters."—Merton Journal

"Books about Thomas Merton proliferated around 2015, the centenary of his birth. This volume may be the most significant. Both Kentucky scholars, the editors have produced an important volume illustrating Catholic intellectual life in the mid-twentieth century. Their extensive notes are valuable especially in identifying people mentioned and in synchronizing letters with Merton's journals."—Catholic Historical Review

"The Letters of Thomas Merton and Victor and Carolyn Hammer offers not only insight into Merton's day-to-day life in the monastery and with friends, but also one can hear Thomas Merton in "conversation" with like-minded friends regarding issues important to him in the 1950s and 1960s."—Pennsylvania History