R. S. Thomas (1913-2000) was a major poet of the twentieth century. He was respected by luminaries of the literary establishment, recognized with numerous awards, and nominated for the Nobel Prize in 1996. Thomas was also a priest of the Anglican Communion who wrestled ceaselessly with problems of faith and doubt in his poetry. John G. McEllhenney makes R. S. Thomas' poems, ministry, and irascible character come brilliantly alive in his new book, A Masterwork of Doubting-Belief: R. S. Thomas and His Poetry. McEllhenney, who developed a personal relationship with Thomas during the last decade of the poet's life, draws on his conversations and correspondence with Thomas, as well as his experiences as a clergyman and lover of poetry, and offers readers a unique experience that is part biography, part appreciation, and part religious meditation. A Masterwork of Doubting-Belief is an important new contribution to our understanding of R. S. Thomas and an inspiring source of insights for all who struggle with their faith!

This study on religious experience in modern poetry features innovatory and accessible close readings of some of the most beloved authors of English verse. In today’s seemingly secular age, religion still remains a highly contested subject. The selection of texts analysed here is representative of a wide spectrum of attitudes, including a sharply critical refusal to acknowledge Christianity as the basis of civilization. Some poets see national religion as a framework for cultural identity, while others worship nature as the omnipotent Force of Life, trying to create their own gods. Rather than reducing poetry to a background for philosophical analysis or theological deliberation, this book presents diverse modes of the poetic endeavor to capture and convey the divine. The chapters provide a range of perspectives on individual experience rendered into poetry as a subtle relationship between faith, perception and language. The text will be of interest to anyone looking for new ways of reading poetry as a spiritual guest.

One of modern history’s great thinkers takes on prejudice, superstition, and conventional wisdom, using wit and insight to argue for a rational way of life. In a brilliant series of essays, Bertrand Russell uses challenging skepticism and sharp humor to attack the obstacles to building a society based on reason. Russell’s thoughts are as lively and pertinent today as when they were written. His topics range from the defects of the education system to the failure of the belief among the younger generation, from our mistaken concepts of democracy to the ever-present threat to freedom throughout the world—even in the West which prides itself so much on being free.