Letter
writing at the turn of the last century was an important activity for
the people of France. Those who received letters from family and
friends alike usually kept the hand-written texts sent to them as
precious gifts. That is why this collection of letters by and to one
of the greatest saints of modern times is so interesting to us today.
No mere notes slapped together in distracted haste, the missives
found in this volume reveal communications of warm personal sentiment
along with expressions of lively spiritual development.
Therese's
efforts as a fifteen-year-old to enter Carmel before reaching the
required age appear in revealing detail. This “tortuous course of a
very subtle diplomacy” is set out not only by the letters of
Therese herself, but also by those of so many others who shared her
hopes and eventual victory.
The
translator-editor gives us 75 pages of introductory remarks which set
the stage for and acquaint us with Therese's correspondence in this
and in the second volume of her Letters.
Measures 5.5" by 8.5".
Paperback, 685 pp.