The purpose of this profound work is to put authentic mystical theology back into centre stage and reverse the condemnation of Quietism dating back to 1687. The author argues that without mystical theology we are just left with laws, regulations and rituals- the spirit has been evacuated and must now be re-embodied. There are also some helpful practical guidelines at the end. ~ David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer

When Wisdom from the Western Isles sold out with the speed of light, I was designated translator of Wisdom from Franciscan Italy, and finally this his masterpiece Wisdom from the Christian mystics. All his books answer many important questions about the spiritual life and difficulties we all face especially laypeople like me trying to follow in the footsteps of our Lord. He stresses that we are all called, not only to sanctity but also to mystical prayer, and unequivocally condemns the evils of New Age in all its various and devious forms. I strongly recommend his works, especially this, his masterpiece, to all who are determined to follow the 'Way', and earnestly strive towards personal sanctity. Aleksandra Marija Chwalowsky, translator of the Croatian edition. ~ Aleksandra Marija Chwalowsky,, translator of the Croatian edition.

David Torkington has written a delightfully sensitive account of how the mystics of the Christian tradition help lead us to God. Many Catholics, even very prayerful ones, are intimidated by the mere word "mystic." Torkington shows us that mystical writing is actually a singularly effective tool in imagining the Almighty. God is ineffable, which means He is so different from us that He cannot be described in words. Mystics have the courage to abandon normal categories of language so as to stretch their fingers closer to that which can never be touched. David Torkington has a genuine enthusiasm for the writings of mystics of many eras, and that passion is contagious. It makes him an excellent teacher. Torkington is a faithful guide into lesser-known but marvelously rich pastures. Warmly recommended. ~ Fr Erik Ross, O.P, Dominican Priest. Publisher and translator - Poland

"A Ground-breaking Spiritual Classic" David Torkingtons latest book - Wisdom from the Christian Mystics has already been described in superlatives by reviewers, even before it has been officially launched at the Athenaeum, Pall Mall. Kevin Grant, the former Editor in Chief of the Catholic Universe, former Managing Director of the Catholic Herald and former Master of the Catholic Writer's Guild simply called it, 'a masterpiece'. For a writer and a poet, who is so careful with words, it is remarkable that in his endorsement of the book he even suggests that the author could be canonized for writing it - hopefully not in the near future! We need to hear much more from a writer whose books have been declared mandatory reading by Sr Wendy Beckett. Usually such worthy books are beyond the comprehension of the ordinary punters in the pews, but not the books of this author. One of the first reviewers, Melanie Jean Juneau, editor-in-chief of Catholic Stand, put it this way: "David Torkington is my mentor - a story teller who can deliver spiritual and theological truths couched in a fascinating riveting narrative. Everything he writes is filled with powerful insights, balancing personal reflection with experience and a profound depth of knowledge". It rightly inspired Sr Rosaleen Shaw, former prioress of the new Dominican community at Sway, to write in her review: “The book is of course brilliant, as only David Torkington can write it. David is a prophet who has truly been given his gifts to be a voice in the Church”. But let the unique thesis outlined in the book speak for itself. The pride of the Second Vatican Council was the New Liturgy that faithfully mirrored the ancient Eucharist, albeit in the vernacular. However, something terribly important was missing. That something is the profound daily mystical spirituality given to the early Church by Christ himself, that gave life and vitality to what can so easily become lifeless without it. Why nothing was done, nor has been done to remedy this situation, is a matter that Torkington addresses in this book. After many years of studying the early sources, the author is able to re-introduce us to this profound mystical spirituality which was the staple diet of everyone in the first centuries. He further shows us how, if practised as it once was, it can not only transform our personal lives, but the lives of the whole Christian community, as what was offered through every moment of the previous week in the prayer without ceasing, is offered together, in, with and through Christ at the Sunday liturgy. It is in giving that we receive and it was the otherworldly love received in practising this profound mystical spirituality promised by Christ to the Samaritan woman, that transformed an ancient pagan world into a Christian world in such a short time; as it can still do to-day. If our liturgy does not once again become the vital living expression of the profound spirituality first lived by Jesus himself, and then lived by his first followers, then the renewal that we endlessly talk about and yearn for, will repeatedly remain beyond our grasp. It is for this reason that the editor and publisher Sr Bernadine TSSF said: "This book is a ground-breaking spiritual classic that should be read and re-read and used as a blue print for the radical restoration of Christian spirituality. If only it had been written, read and put into practice before the Second Vatican Council, the mass departure of so many priests and religious may well have been prevented. Furthermore, so much of the scandalous sexual behaviours of so many religious and priests who remained behind could have been prevented. For those who have not learned to come to know and experience the love of God, through the Wisdom of the Christian Mystics as detailed in this book, will inevitably seek its counterfeit to the torment of so many 'injured innocents". However, the book is primarily practical and details a very clear and helpful daily spirituality for all, with exquisite prayers for morning and evening to set the scene for us to offer every moment of every day, in, with and through Christ to the Father. Nevertheless, the book carries with it a spiritual health warning on the inside cover, by Sr Wendy Beckett, that we fail to heed at our peril: "We can so easily read about prayer, about love, about Christian service and in the emotional happiness of our reading come to think that we are actually doing what we are only feeling. Fortunately, no one is more aware of this danger than David Torkington. He is passionately committed to stripping from the reader those veils of illusion that allow what is said to be enjoyed in theory only. His books should be mandatory reading.” None more so than Wisdom from the Christian Mystics. The book can be ordered now from Amazon.co.uk or from bookshops quoting ISBN 978-1-78535-774-9 ~ Michael Winterbottom, The Catholic Universe December 17

Archbishop Ramsay used to say, ‘There is a God-given space at the centre of each one of us which only he can fill.’ This book, rich in its teaching and quotes from the Fathers, goes a long way towards helping us to fill that centre-space. ~ Bishop Thomas McMahon

This pioneering tour de force reintroduces the Christian mystical tradition that transformed the ancient pagan world. It should to be read and re-read and used as a blue print for the radical restoration of Christian Spirituality. ~ Sr Bernadine,TSSF, Florence

The book is of course brilliant as only David Torkington can write it. David is a prophet who has truly been given his gifts to be a voice in the Church. ~ Sr. Rosaleen Shaw OP former prioress of St Joseph’s Priory, Sway

The book is a masterpiece. It is the sort of work that would, at one age in the history of the Church have the author canonised, at another have him burnt at the stake! ~ Kevin Grant former Master of the Catholic Writers’ guild

David Torkington is my mentor - a storyteller who can deliver spiritual and theological truths couched in a fascinating, riveting narrative. ~ Melanie Jean Juneau, Editor-in-Chief, Catholic Stand - USA

David is a truly inspirational writer. His writings on the spiritual life are simple, joyful and a model of clarity bringing an otherwise abstruse subject down to earth and understandable. ~ Dr Warwick Onyeama MRCPsych, FMC Psych, FRC Psych, Director at Quo Vadis Trust

David Torkington is a sincere and prayerful man whose writing is the fruit of a lifetime of prayer. ~ Anthony Lilles STD, Academic Dean, St John’s Seminary California