--M. Basil Pennington, from the Foreword Experience the spiritual wisdom of Thomas Merton in this graceful introduction to his life and writings, written by one of his closest friends. In this engaging guide, M. Basil Pennington takes us on a retreat with Thomas Merton, in Merton's own Kentucky hermitage, reading his writings on the spiritual life, praying the hours, caring for the birds on the front porch. This is the place where Merton found greater silence and solitude than was possible for him within the walls of the monastery. Pennington fills this eloquent introduction to Merton with photographs taken in and around the hermitage. Engaging the World with Merton enables each of us to have a retreat with Pennington's friend and mentor as our companion, as we seek the kingdom of God within.