Thomas Merton called John of the Cross "the greatest of all mystical theologians." This volume represents a contemporary English edition of John's rarely published work Ascent of Mount Carmel, a commentary on his entire spiritual vision. It recounts John's passage through a "dark night" of faith on his journey toward complete union with God. Through this humble wisdom, this classic has become an encouraging companion for people throughout the centuries who are passing through their own "dark night of the soul."