A Short History of Monks and Monasteries

"A Short History of Monks and Monasteries" by Alfred Wesley Wishart is a journey through time, exploring the lives of monks and the monasteries they called home, starting from ancient religious traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism and going all the way to the Reformation. Wishart examines not just the spiritual side of monastic life but also how it shaped society, culture, and religious ideas. The book begins by acknowledging the struggles of piecing together such a big story, as original texts can be hard to find, and it's important to understand monastic life in the context of what was happening in the world at the time. Early on, readers meet influential figures such as Anthony and Simeon Stylites, whose intense spiritual quests unfolded in challenging environments. Wishart's storytelling shows both respect for and questions about monasticism, pushing readers to consider the line between personal dedication and being part of the wider world.