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First lines: "The first think we have to thank you for is your good visit - a real joy and source of encouragement"... Contents index: [writing from the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in Abiquiu, New Mexico / stationery states "Monastery of Christ of the Desert"].

First lines: "Four years ago, I came upon one your books. Since that time I have read almost everything that you"... Contents index: St. John of the Cross - was he too extreme in life's detachment? What about life's joys?.

First lines: "Thanks for the confidence you show in me, in presenting your questions about John of the Cross."... Contents index: sending mimeographed article Merton wrote / John of the Cross "speaks from the fullness of fulfillment" - he seems extreme because we do not see what he has gained through was he has given up - not fanatical and did not want extreme exterior asceticism, rather "total interior detachment".

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Boscher, Maurice, Fr.".

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Bosco, John, Fr.".

First lines: "This will have to be short, because if I don't finish it tonight, I won't be able to take it up"...

First lines: "Thanks for your letter. This cannot be much more than a brief note to say that I agree with it,"... Contents index: aggiornamento, reform, of religious life - sense of artificiality - "struggle between the old rigidities and new forms of triviality" / Carmelites share this struggle / suggests personal life of contemplation while working "in the world" and a visit to Regina Laudis in Bethlehem Connecticut.

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Bourgeouis, Dr.".

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Bourget, Lawrence, Dom, O.C.S.O.".

Fr. Paul Bourne seemed to be in the difficult position of liking Merton and his works, and serving the official function as head censor for the Order, holding responsibility for objectionable works of Merton's going to publication. The two men struggle with what can and cannot be published by Merton on the topics of war, nuclear proliferation, Vietnam, and race relations. They also discuss other matters not related to Fr. Paul's work as a censor, including the monastic life, novitiate manuals, chapter meetings for the Order, changing worship to the vernacular, allowing conversation among monks, etc.

First lines: "Enclosed you will find the document you requested for the edification or something of your friend"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Ascent to Truth" [book] documents from Fr. Paul Bourne, O.C.S.O. - possibly sending "Reader's Report" also in this file, see "1951/no-month/no-day?" in "Ascent to Truth".

First lines: "Could you please look over these two works of art (?) and tell me if they are too scandalously bad"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Saints for Now" by Clare Boothe Luce with an essay by Merton regarding St. John of the Cross [essay in book] - Merton submits two black ink brush drawings of St. John of the Cross and of St. Thérèse of Lisieux - reply by Fr. Paul Bourne is written on the bottom of Merton's letter (see Item #2 of the same date).

First lines: "First- please tell Fr. Louis to go ahead with his preface to Disputed Questions - nihil obstat."... Contents index: "Disputed Questions" [book].

First lines: "Since objections were raised to the article entitled Vocation to Solitude, the theme has been"...

First lines: "We certainly are keeping the Air Mail or Postal Clerks busy these days. I just received your note"... Contents index: [originally filed in a collection of Censors Reports kept by James Fox - see also the "Censors Reports" file under "Christian Ethics and Nuclear War" (possibly also referring to "Target Equals City" and "Peace: Christian Duties and Responsibilities")].

First lines: "I received your gracious note of Septuagesima Sunday. Don't worry about the other copy of CHRISTIAN"... Contents index: [originally filed in a collection of Censors Reports kept by James Fox - see also the "Censors Reports" file under "Christian Ethics and Nuclear War" (possibly also referring to "Target Equals City" and "Peace: Christian Duties and Responsibilities")].

First lines: "Here is a problem for you as Head Censor: I hope you can help me unravel it. The matter is quite"...

First lines: "Judged best not to submit this to formal censorship-- as I don’t know how long it would take in this"... Contents index: [Merton's annotation: "Re - «Cold War Letters in» «BlRv and Cold War»" -, i.e. «Black Revolution and Cold War»].

First lines: "Taking all factors into account I can't see that this little piece requires censorship. Did Dom"...

First lines: "You should have your green light for the Diaspora very soon; but meanwhile I've run thru the piece"...

First lines: "Many thanks to you and Fr Charles for your good work: the approval from Rome arrived yesterday for"...

First lines: "Many thanks for returning the articles. I suppose there is a new system under way. Happily the"...

First lines: "I don't know what's going on, censorshipwise, at the Generalate. I get no response to my reports,"...

First lines: "Since Commonweal themselves have been recently bewailing their circulation one can surely talk them"...

First lines: "Thanks for your last letter and your green light on Honest to God for the Commonweal. I thought"...

First lines: "I am sending two copies of a preface which I wrote thinking that probably it would not have to be"...

First lines: "Forty - Three Signatures [-] an exhibit of Drawings [-] by Thomas Merton"...

First lines: "Turn about is fair play - the enclosed is an article by me for you to censor. Actually, this is a"...

First lines: "Don't worry about your ms. All is under control. Have you read Dewart's «Future of Belief?»?"...

First lines: "Here is the ms of a book of poems-- or rather a mosaic of poetry and poetic prose, which New"...

First lines: "Don't fret about censorship. I've about reached the point where I consider it "inopportune", and"...

First lines: "Father Thomas Merton has asked me to send a set of uncorrected galleys for his collection of essays,"... Contents index: [see also the "Martin, Frederick R." file, Martin was Managing Editor of New Directions Publishing at the time of writing] sending galleys of «Zen and the Birds of Appetite» for censor's approval.

First lines: "Will you please do whatever is necessary to process this new book of verse? [-] Many thanks in Xto"...

First lines: "I have just finished a fascinating experience of going through the Thomas Merton correspondence with"...

First lines: "Fret not about your novel - I'm not supposed to be reading novels so how could I possibly censor it?"... Contents index: [note on the back of a bookmark / verso: "Work is love made visible" - K. Gibran].

First lines: "Thought you might like to see our new Guide. The text was not easy to write - just «where» to"...

Merton was asked by his friend Rabbi Abraham Heschel, a biblical scholar, in December of 1966 if he was interested in writing an introduction for a new edition of the Bible. The planned book, an annotated and illustrated edition, by Time-Life Books was not published; however, the manuscript for the article was published as a book by the Liturgical Press in 1970 under the essay's title «Opening the Bible». Merton had qualms about writing an introduction to the Bible, as he did not consider himself a biblical scholar. Also, in a response to Heschel in 1966/12/12, he mentions that he is "not too happy with big fancy projects organized by the mass media". After his essay was written, he suggested that it was not an adequate introduction, but could fit between the New and Old Testaments. The last couple of letters also mention Merton's literary magazine «Monks Pond». Bourne sends him a concrete poem and Merton mentions a plan for an upcoming issue featuring concrete poems exclusively. (Sources: see the enclosed letters and the introduction by Rob Stone to the 1986 edition of «Opening the Bible».)

First lines: "Our very good friend and consultant, Dr. Abraham Heschel, has told us of your kindness in responding"...

First lines: "Thanks for your letterof [sic] Jan.27 and above all for the splendid book on «Siena» by Titus"...

First lines: "Thanks for your note. I was very pleased to hear that you see no big obstacle looming and that you"...

First lines: "Many thanks for yours of February 17th and the enclosed document. Perhaps I didn't make it clear"... Contents index: [see "Stone, Naomi Burton" file for letter].

First lines: "Enclosed for your interest is a copy of Dr. James Sander's Introduction to the Old Testament for our"...

First lines: "Cette lettre vous surprendra à première vue, mais plus dutout lorsque je vous aurai dit que je suis"...

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Bowman, R. M., Mrs.".

First lines: "[…] A HERMIT'S PREFERENCES Seabury Press recently sent Thomas Merton an author questionnaire"... Contents index: relates Merton's interests given in an author's questionnaire - "Zen. Indians. Wood. Birds. Beer. Anglican friends. Calligraphic abstract art. Ad Reinhardt. Subversive tape recordings for nuns. Tea. Bob Dylan. Nicaraguan folk art. Quakerism. Shakerism. Novels of Walker Percy. Myth in William Faulkner.", etc..

A grade schooler asks Merton for information about Kentucky music and facts.

First lines: "You are the first person who ever picked me out as an authority on music. I cannot even play a"... Contents index: Merton says he can play the bongo drums and likes country music and Johnny Cash / contributes some facts and history about the monastery for Boyd's report on Kentucky.

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Bozarth, Miss".

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Bracken, Kevin, Fr., O.C.S.O.".

First lines: "It was a delight to get your letter dated May 28th, and I am sorry to see that so long a time has"... Contents index: looking into ways to facilitate Brahmachari's travel / problem of Merton's new "vanaprastha" retirement in his hermitage and the limit on visitors / meeting of East-West philosophers in Hawaii / Seymour Freedgood.

First lines: "Perhaps you will remember me. Back in Easter, '56, when Fr. Hilary was guestmaster, I spent about 8"... Contents index: advise on contemplative vocation / background of meeting Merton before entering, and when thinking about, Trappist vocation / life first with the Anglican Benedictines / desire to join Camaldolese - need for greater solitude in nature (Thoreau a childhood hero) / time with Fr. Minard in South Carolina / Dom Winandy / authenticity of Merton's vocation to the solitary life and recommendations to others - stay with Trappists or look elsewhere? / Merton's article on the eremitical life.

First lines: "It was good to hear from you, and I think I have a fairly clear memory of your visit, though it was"... Contents index: Trappist monastic life - good on promoting the «vita activa» (active life) of work and active communal prayer, but not good at promoting true solitude - will drive away those looking for solitude unless eremitical life is allowed - suggests Fr. Minard's group / Merton looking for a solution for more solitude within the Order.

First lines: "It was good to hear from you, and I think I have a fairly clear memory of your visit, though it was"... Contents index: [copied from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2] Trappist monastic life - good on promoting the «vita activa» (active life) of work and active communal prayer, but not good at promoting true solitude - will drive away those looking for solitude unless eremitical life is allowed - suggests Fr. Minard's group / Merton looking for a solution for more solitude within the Order.

First lines: "Thanks for your letter of July 21st. I am slow in replying, and yet this is relatively fast too."... Contents index: Merton thinks Brasier's questions interesting, but does not think he can do book on apologetics - more the work of a Dominican or a Jesuit - not in fitting with the contemplative life.

First lines: "Thanks for «Freelance»: a pleasant surprise and a good alive magazine. I have read most of"...

First lines: "Thank you so much for all you did with Sue and Sandy. Whether Sue will ever come down to earth is"...

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Brazzel, Elizabeth Ann, O.S.B. (and her English IV Students)".

First lines: "How pleased I was to receive your very warm letter! The answers to my questions will be very"... Contents index: Denise Levertov leaving Vassar - connection with the Peace Movement.

First lines: "I'm writing this in a café on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado. Since school got out last Friday"... Contents index: spring vacation hitchhiking to San Francisco / presidential election - Kennedy and McCarthy.

First lines: "Here at last is a poem. It's one that I was more excited about around 3 weeks ago, but I don't know"... Contents index: [mentions sending poem - poem not included with letter] plans of transfer to Berkeley.

First lines: "Thanks so much for your two letters and the poem. You are very adventurous: that was a good"... Contents index: on Bredenberg's thoughts of transferring from Vassar to Berkeley / Andrea Pfeiffenberger / poems by Pfeiffenberger and Bredenberg / suggested revisions to Bredenberg's poem / David Ignatow and Russel Edson.

First lines: "It looks like I spend most of my time on the road - but not in behalf of myself. I had just"... Contents index: thanks to Merton for his support for contemplative nuns and the letter he sent to the Pope.

First lines: "For your confidential information I wish to assure you that I have received the unanimous support of"... Contents index: Merton's annotation on letter "suggest Mother Myriam (Redwoods) / Breitenbeck asks for suggestions of contemplative nuns for conference.

Merton and Mother Benedicta Brennan discuss a meeting to discuss a reform of women's religious orders, including the founding of "Prayer Houses" among more active orders, the future of contemplatives, and contemplatives involved in action. Proposals are discussed for a meeting in Monroe, Michigan with the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and in California with the Trappist nuns of Redwoods Monastery.

First lines: "At least this begging pen of mine will be still for a while and I will not write any more"...

First lines: "Thanks for your kind letter. I think we are working our way towards a solution. I have mentioned"...

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Brett, Dick".

First lines: "Thanks for your letter and for the magazine. I have the magazine in the pile of things to get to"...

First lines: "I will be expecting Mrs Harton and her holy companions, including you I hope, Oct. 15 on the Feast"...

First lines: "Happy Feast. I pray this finds you filled with the love, joy and peace of this season. Do you know"...

First lines: "Congratulations on the birthday and thanks for your letter. I hope this reply reaches you in time"...

First lines: "Many thanks for your letter of January 25th. Yes, it was good that you sent the letters to Mr."...

Poet Keith Wilson (see "Wilson, Keith" file) had asked Brigham to send some poetry to Merton for publication in «Monks Pond». Merton decides to include her poems in the last three of his total four «Monks Pond» issues. Included are original letters to and from Merton concerning Merton's thoughts on Brigham's poems and details about their publication in «Monks Pond».

First lines: "Passed on to me through Keith Wilson an 'invitation' to submit to Monks Pond. Are you planning to"...

First lines: "I hope you will not regret asking for my poems: I am sending you «The Tiger» (the moving force"...

First lines: "Such a long time I have your Tiger and letters, and finally I want to answer. How much to respond"...

First lines: "I8m [sic] returning what's left of your beautiful book. Have used and pilfered for MPOND iii and iv"...

Merton and Brilliant discuss the publishing of some of Merton's work at Unicorn Press, a small literary magazine press. The two men also discuss other writers and poets, the peace movement, the Vietnam War, and Brilliant's friend James Hartz from Louisville, who was in opposition to the war. Included are original letters from Brilliant and a carbon copy of a letter from Merton.

First lines: "Must answer you together as I can hardly keep up with mail in any case. I have Teo's letter"... Contents index: [to Teo Savory and Brilliant - see "Savory, Teo" file for hard copy] Merton's tape played by Ping Ferry with "Big Zulu piece" and the "Unending Description" / Albert Camus piece for Unicorn Journal could be on «The Stranger» (already wrote on «The Plague» / Victor Hammer's press / Merton translating Rene Char.

First lines: "Teo and I received the Merton/Lax yesterday. In the morning, we went to the community mass at the"... Contents index: Dorothy Day / Caesar Chavez and his fast.

First lines: "I have no qualms in saying I like your ms, but selling it is another thing again. The poems are"... Contents index: makes suggestions about where to publish or not publish poems - difficulty he will face.

First lines: "About two years ago I sent you 30 or 40 pages of poetry and received a newsletter in reply."...

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Brock, Terry F.".

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Brown, Raphael".

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Brown, Russ".

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Browne, Jane".

First lines: "It was good to hear from you and receive the proofs of Daniel-Rops' book. I am glad to see that it"... Contents index: suggested corrections to book on some names and places mentioned in monastic history - suggests having Fr. Louis Lekai of Dallas University check it.

First lines: "Some years ago a Jesuit telephoned me to say that a very dear friend of ours, a Jesuit missionary in"... Contents index: death of Dom Frederic Dunne / suggestion of advertising «The Seven Storey Mountain» with "Another Man Who Got Even with God" (after title of Fr. Raymond's book) / Al Croft's trip to Gethsemani / possiblity of publishing biography of the life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Bruteau, Beatrice".

First lines: "Many thanks for your letter. I want to say that I said Mass for you and Stanbrook on the 12th"...

First lines: "First, since you mention the prospectus at the top of your letter, I will say "yes" to the offer now"...

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Bryan, A.".

First lines: "That letter of your received in July has been waiting an answer for many a month. I postponed"...

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Brzatynska, Genovefa".

First lines: "I will answer your good letter without delay, because otherwise I will put it aside and many not get"... Contents index: Merton gives blanket permission to translate short articles into Polish - can share privilege with others - Merton not interested in royalties from this.

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Bucher, Vitus, Fr., O.S.B.".

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Buckley, Arthur R.".

First lines: "I write to inquire whether your schedule of commitments might permit you to do the Seabury Lenten"... Contents index: asking whether Merton would like to do the Seabury Lenten Book for 1969 / Alan Paton working on 1968.

First lines: "Yesterday we received from Lee Belford the manuscript of your excellent commentary on Camus:"... Contents index: offer to publish Merton's commentary on Camus' «The Plague».