Gorman, Regina Marie: St. Teresa of Avila Her Life in Letters

St. Teresa of Avila, one of the most interesting and important figures in the history of the Catholic Church, was also one of the most candid, entertaining, and brilliant correspondents of her century. This selection of letters offers a unique "œbehind the scenes"� look at this most charming Doctor of the Church with details of her life not originally meant for the public.St. Teresa's formal works-The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection-were written with an eye toward censors. Her personal correspondence, however, tell the story of her life in vivid detail, including her struggles to reform the Carmelite order; Spanish mysticism in its formation; and the extraordinary range of relationships she maintained with priests, theologians, royalty, fellow religious, advisors, and friends.The letters begin when St. Teresa was forty-six-six years after she entered the Carmelite Monastery of the Incarnation in Avila, Spain-and continue until her death twenty-one years later. She exhibits wo