There have been so many books recently about Thomas Merton, perhaps the most written-about spiritual figure of the last century, that one expects a new book to say something fresh. In the case of this new study it is safe to say that several new and interesting insights into the life of Merton are provided by Robert Waldron. The book is a wide-ranging survey of the influences that shaped Merton’s life, charting his progress towards Christianity and Catholicism which culminated in his entering a monastery as a Cistercian monk. These influences were, among others, Byzantine art while on a visit to Rome, Zen Buddhism and the mystical experiences he had in India, Simone Weill, that other contemporary mystic, Hopkins, Paul Klee, and his nurse with whom he fell in love. Waldron examines Merton as poet, artist, philosopher and contemplative. This is an essential read for all those who want to know Merton better and who want to perfect their own way of prayer and contemplation.