The Desert Fathers and Mothers - those early Christian ascetics who withdrew from the world to seek God - have influenced the spiritual lives of many people, from Saint Augustine to Thomas Merton. Their words, sometimes inspiring and uplifting, sometimes agonisingly painful, sometimes humorous, always speak straight from the heart. They resonate through the centuries because they tell the story of the deserted soul in its pilgrimage from darkness to light, from ignorance to truth, from sin to sanctity. This revised edition of Father John Chryssavgis' fresh and vital introduction to the spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers brings their words to life and provides a key which unlocks their relevance for the reader of today. It also features: * A preface by Sister Benedicta Ward * A translation of the 'reflections' by Abba Zosimas, an early Desert Father * 16 Colour photos and illustrations and a map of the ancient Near East * A chronology of the most important Desert fathers and Mothers * A full bibliography * A new extensive index