This book is a welcome addition to the many books about this remarkable, intensely spiritual man. Aguilar emphasises the complexity of Merton’s character - he was a contemplative Trappist monk by vocation and an energetic political activist in his prolific writings and lectures. While yearning for the solitude and silence of the hermit’s cell, he was at the same time impelled to engage with the outside world. This reaching out to others stemmed directly from his contemplation of God and His love of humanity in all its diversity. Aguilar deals with three main areas of Merton’s participation in world affairs: firstly, his connection with “the theology of the poor” in South America; secondly, his stand against the nuclear arms race and the war in Vietnam; thirdly his interest in other world religions, especially those of the East. In summing up, Aguilar stresses Merton’s contribution to contemporary thought, both religious and secular, in terms of moral and social values.