God is not angry by Ian Petit OSB

Ian Petit was one of our monks; he died in 1996. During his life he met many people for whom God was anything but a loving and accepting figure. For them he was a God of rules and regulations who judged us according to how well we kept them.

In later life he came to see things differently; to see that God is not a tyrant waiting to catch us out, that God is not angry with us. In this book, he explains clearly and simply how we can find this loving God through Scripture and the teaching of the Church.

DLT, 0232522316, £5.95. NB This book is now out of print but Ampleforth Abbey Bookshop holds stock. Please contact them directly for this title (details above).

St Benedict’s rule by Abbot Patrick Barry

A fresh modern translation attractively presented.

Ampleforth Abbey Press, 0852444654, £10.00

RB 1980 The rule of St Benedict

An American translation with very useful critical notes and analyses of the principal themes in the Rule. Latin and English.

The Liturgical Press (distributed by Columba Press), 1980, 0814612202, p/b £22.50, h/b £28.99

RB 1980 The rule of St Benedict

The same translation as above but in a pocket sized edition, English only, without notes.

The Liturgical Press (distributed by Columba Press), 1980, 0814612725, p/b £2.70

Rule of Saint Benedict ed. Abbot Parry and foreword by Esther de Waal

Latin with English translation.

Fowler Wright, 1970, 0852441681, p/b £5.99

The life & miracles of Saint Benedict by Pope Saint Gregory the Great

A small book translating the original Latin of the only historical source, apart from the Rule, for the life and character of Saint Benedict. Without commentary.

The Liturgical Press (distributed by Columa Press), 08146103211, p/b £2.70

Saint Benedict for the Laity by Eric Dean

Written by a married man, presbyterian minister and Benedictine oblate who has sought to live the Rule of Saint Benedict for 30 years.

Liturgical Press (distributed by Columba Press, 1989, 0814615953, p/b £5.50.

Seeking God: The Way of St Benedict by Esther de Waal

One of the best short books on Benedictine spirituality for lay people.

Fount, 1994, 0006279937, p/b £6.99

To be a Pilgrim by Cardinal Basil Hume OSB

Now a classic.

Triangle SPCK, 1984, 0281043728, p/b £4.99

St Benedict’s Prayer Book for Beginners compiled by the monks of Ampleforth.

A short form of Morning & Evening Prayer arranged in a two-weekly cycle, other prayers and devotions in Latin & English, and a number of articles on prayer and the Christian life.

Ampleforth Abbey Press/Gracewing, 0852442580, h/b £10.00

The Path of Life by Dom Cyprian Smith

An introduction to the monastic life drawn from his considerable experience as novice master at Ampleforth.

Ampleforth Abbey Press/Gracewing, 1995, 0852443021, p/b £7.99