The Cloud of Unknowing: With the Book of Privy Counsel

By: Carmen Acevedo Butcher - translator

Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin

This anonymous fourteenth-century text is the glory of English mysticism, and one of the most practical and useful guides to finding union with God ever written. Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s new translation is the first to bring the text into a modern English idiom - while remaining strictly faithful to the meaning of the original Middle English. The Cloud of Unknowing consists of a series of letters written by a monk to his student or disciple, instructing him (or her) in the way of Divine union. Its theology is presented in a way that is remarkably easy to understand, as well as practical, providing advice on prayer and contemplation that anyone can use. Previous translations of the Cloud have tended to veil its intimate, even friendly tone under medieval-sounding language. Carmen Butcher has boldly brought the text into language as appealing to modern ears as it was to its original readers more than five hundred years ago.Also included in the volume is the companion work attributed to the same anonymous author, The Book of Privy Counsel, which contains further advice for approaching God in a way that emphasizes real experience rather than human knowledge.

©2009 Carmen Acevedo Butcher (P)2014 Audible Inc.

A Spiritual Work of the Highest Order!

Wow! A work of the highest order. Distillation of the spiritual path in clearest of the ways. Equivalent to The Power of Now, Bhagavad Gita, The Buddhist Sutras and other high order spiritual works. What makes this especially even more helpful is how the Anonymous author is an embodiment of love, grace and humility! It comes across very clearly that the author is a Saint, a Guru and a Kalyana Mitra (spiritual friend, in Buddhist terms).

One of my favorite quotes from the book: “ God always provides one of two things without your help. Either an abundance of what you need, or the physical stamina and spiritual patience to endure its absence. What does it matter what we have? It’s all One to the true contemplative.”

Beautiful modern translation, and exquisitely narrated with the love and devotion that the book commands and deserves. Left with nothing but infinite gratitude. Simply beautiful!

The Way

A beautiful book that has helped deepen my relationship with God. 10/10 recommend to anyone who wishes to do the same <3

wisdom for the ages

loved this early look at contemplative practice and Christianity.
this translation is the best I've read

Great Read

This is a book that will speak directly to your spirit and lift you up. It is very easy to listen to and flows from one chapter to the other effortlessly. It was not too long and the reader has a very soothing voice.

You have to hear it for yourself

If you feel drawn to contemplative and centering prayer this book will expand on the experience of communing with God, the practice with and without dependence on achieving a feeling of relief from the practice and the depth and meaning of the practice. Well done and we’ll read. Thank you.

Say “ Hello” to God, then sit peacefully in His love. 💫

The narrator is outstanding in the reading of this book. What a gem! Meanwhile the book is brilliantly translated without hindrance to the original author. Next to St. Teresa of Avila, there’s no better way to rest your heart, mind, and soul than this book. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for nudging me to choose this book. May God’s blessings be upon all of you who read/listen to this book!! 💫💫💫

Amazing ! Where has this been all my life :-)

loved it. Written with such wisdom and authority. Very enjoyable to listen to with awesome content and excellent narration.

Say What?

this book can do no harm to you, and might make you a better Christian, or person. it was written by a man named Anonymous, as his head would have fell at the specific time in history. i actually enjoyed the book, as the whole books theme is to live every second of the day glorifying God, and I think that is possible, and in fact, I do it everyday. I just have Him in mind all day, and have not attended church in over 50 years, as I do not believe that is a prerequisite in being a Christian. the book was very spot on, with mary Magdelene, and was glad to see that, as I believe with all my heart that 90% of the religious community do not appreciate what a pivotal woman she was in the Bible.
what a shame that the true author could not sign his name or take responsibility for writing a beautiful and truthful book, and I would recommend it be read for those that seek a closer relationship with God. let me add a personal thought at this junction of my take on the book.
the Bible is an easy read or listen, so why do you flock to church and listen to your minister tell you what it means?

Loved it and will listen again and again

A WONDERFUL guide to feel my lord anD GOD.
THIS WAS THE BOOK THAT HELPED

Uplifting

Just the right amount of history & interpretive comments. Good contemporary rendering of a classic.