Merton, Thomas, 1915-1968
Dates
- Existence: 1915-01-31 - 1968-12-10
Biographical Note
Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was born in Prades, France to Owen and Ruth Jenkins Merton. He studied both in Europe and America, and he received both a BA (1938) and an MA in journalism (1939) from Columbia University. In 1938, Merton converted to Catholicism. He entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky in 1941, and made his simple vows in 1944, and solemn vows in 1947. He was ordained a priest in 1949 and took the name Father M. Louis. Merton became a prominent author of both poetry and prose, initially gaining international renown for his 1948 autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain. While maintaining his strict devotional life, he prolifically wrote books and articles on a wide variety of subjects, such as Catholic spirituality, civil rights, literary criticism, monastic renewal, pacifism, and Zen Buddhism. Merton died suddenly on December 10, 1968 while attending the first Pan-Asian Monastic Conference in Thailand.
Social Networks and Archival Context (SNAC) Identifier
Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:
Jim Forest papers
Materials collected and created by twentieth century peace activist and author Jim Forest for his biographies of Trappist monk Thomas Merton, including correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs.
Collection is open for research.
Boston College collection of Thomas Merton
Intentionally assembled collection comprised of original manuscripts of books, essays, letters, and poems written by the Trappist monk, poet, and writer Thomas Merton.
Collection is open for research.
Francis W. Sweeney, S.J. papers
Collection is open for research. One phonograph record has been digitally copied; all original media was retained, but may not be played due to format. Digital use copies can only be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room.