Thomas Merton, A Mystic Catholic Poet and Writer
By: Mark Manivong
Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was an American Trappist monk, poet, writer, theologian, mystic, social activist, scholar of comparative religion, and pioneer of interfaith dialogue who wrote more than 50 books throughout his 27-year writing career. He is arguably one of the most influential and widely read Catholic authors of the 20th century. In 2025, the Rare Book and Special Collections Division acquired a Thomas Merton Collection comprising 143 items and containing first editions, uncorrected proofs, artwork, manuscripts, recordings, and portraits of this fascinating figure. This blog post includes a short biography of Merton and showcases some of the materials in this new collection.
Posted in: Bibliomania
