First published in Greek in 1782, translated into Slavonic and later into Russian, has exercised an influence far greater than that of any book other than the Bible in the recent history of the Orthodox Church, and it continues to be read more and more widely. Only a selection of texts from has hitherto been available in English. This is the first complete translation into English from the original Greek in five volumes, the first of which was published by Faber in 1979. It is concerned with themes of universal importance: how we may develop our inner powers and awake from illusion; how we may overcome fragmentation and achieve spiritual wholeness; how we may attain the life of contemplative stillness and union with God. As in the first four volumes, the editors have provided introductory notes to each of the writers, a glossary of key terms and a detailed index.