A Masterwork Of Doubting-Belief [Hardcover]

Description: R. S. Thomas (1913-2000) was a major poet of the twentieth century. He was respected by luminaries of the literary establishment, recognized with numerous awards, and nominated for the Nobel Prize in 1996. Thomas was also a priest of the Anglican Communion who wrestled ceaselessly with problems of faith and doubt in his poetry. John G. McEllhenney makes R. S. Thomas' poems, ministry, and irascible character come brilliantly alive in his new book, A Masterwork of Doubting-Belief: R. S. Thomas and His Poetry. McEllhenney, who developed a personal relationship with Thomas during the last decade of the poet's life, draws on his conversations and correspondence with Thomas, as well as his experiences as a clergyman and lover of poetry, and offers readers a unique experience that is part biography, part appreciation, and part religious meditation. A Masterwork of Doubting-Belief is an important new contribution to our understanding of R. S. Thomas and an inspiring source of insights for all who struggle with their faith! Endorsements: John McEllheney has a sense of the environment in which Thomas lived and wrote, and he knew Thomas personally, having visited . . . and exchanged correspondence with him. His title succinctly summarizes what he has added to our understanding of Thomas, the poet and the man. --William McGill, author of Poets' Meeting: George Herbert, R. S. Thomas, and the Argument with God This is an engaging and informative book. Readers already familiar with Thomas' poems will be enlightened by McEllhenney's insightful interweaving of them into the narrative of his personal relationship with Thomas. Readers . . . who are doubting-believers of any religious tradition will find in McEllhenney's Thomas a companion and model for walking the tightrope of doubt-filled faith. --Peggy Rosenthal, author of The Poets' Jesus A fascinating glimpse into the mind of the famously reclusive poet. The author's gift for friendship clearly warmed the fll£K