San Juan de la Cruz (1542-91) achieved greatness through his contribution to two areas of human endeavour; as a mystic in the realm of spirituality, and in literature, as a poet. Known as the Mystical Doctor of The Roman Catholic Church, St John is regarded by many as one of the greatest mystics of the Christian west and also one of the finest lyrical poets that Spain has ever produced.

In St John of the cross, both sides of his achievement are explored whilst Peter Tyler also examines the personality of the elusive and retiring friar and how it contrasted with the other great representative of the sixteenth-century Spanish mystics, the forceful St Teresa of Avila, who selected San Juan to aid her in the reformation of the Carmelite order.

Peter Tyler investigates the roots and traditions of Western mysticism and how the discovery of Dionysius drastically altered the direction of this long tradition. Interest in St John of the Cross is transcendent and not restricted to Roman Catholicism, and some of the greatest modern biographies of St John are constructed by writers from outside of the Roman Catholic denomination, such as Colin Thompson , a United Reformed Minister. And many of his teachings have profoundly influenced people from outside of the Christian tradition.

St John of The Cross is the clearest exposition yet of the life and teachings of this diminutive Carmelite Friar whose profound influence shaped many lives.

Peter Tyler, (Peter Mark Tyler) is Senior Lecturer and Programme Director of Pastoral Theology at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham. His doctoral work combined his interest in mystical theology with psychology and philosophy and he is a registered psychotherapist in private practice. He has had a long interest in the works of St John of the Cross and regularly leads pilgrimage retreats to Spain to visit the sites associated with the saint.