ISBN: 978-0-88141-759-3, 9780881417593
Unseen Warfare is a spiritual classic that explores the inner struggle every believer faces in the pursuit of holiness. Originally written by Lorenzo Scupoli, a sixteenth-century Venetian priest, the book became influential across both Western and Eastern Christian traditions. It was recognized for its spiritual depth by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, who revised it somewhat, and later substantially refined and translated by Theophan the Recluse in the nineteenth century.
This work draws richly from the wisdom of saints and Church Fathers, uniting insights from a host of Christian sources to guide readers in their spiritual journey. It emphasizes that the true battleground for spiritual growth is within the human heart. As Theophan wrote: “The time of battle is our whole life.”
With its practical advice on resisting sin and cultivating virtue, Unseen Warfare remains a profound companion for those seeking deeper spiritual discipline and complements other essential works like the Philokalia, with which both Nicodemus and Theophan realized it shared much in common.
This new edition has been revised to include a new introduction and a number of footnotes intended to help clarify for the reader the relation of this book to Orthodox spirituality in general and especially to the tradition of the Philokalia, while also providing patristic citations that were previously missing. It is presented in a beautifully produced hardcover with dust jacket, perfect bound, and newly typeset for improved readability.
2 Reviews
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Fantastic read
Just such a great book. Should be required reading to anyone wanting to be a Christian, not just the Orthodox. The wisdom contained within is definately meant to be read more than once. The physical build of the book is great and it will handle many readings for sure. A MUST buy.
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Wonderful!
I am deeply grateful for this second edition of Unseen Warfare, edited by Sts. Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain and Theophan the Recluse. While I was thankful for the opportunity to read the first edition, the physical quality of that volume left much to be desired. It lacked beauty, was poorly formatted, and proved difficult to read for extended periods. This second edition, however, is truly handsome and impeccably formatted, giving the text the dignity it so richly deserves.
Thankfully, the shortcomings of the earlier edition never reflected the content itself. Unseen Warfare is a spiritual classic, remarkably well suited to our own times despite having been written over two centuries ago. Though often associated in the minds of the faithful with monastic life, it is a book for Orthodox Christians living and struggling in the world. It offers practical guidance and concrete tools to aid us on the path toward union with God.
Even the introduction—something I usually skip, as I often find them unhelpful or even an obstacle to appreciating a text—proved to be an unexpected gift. Fr. Ignatius Green’s introduction is, without question, the best introduction to a book I have ever read. It is immensely helpful and, I believe, essential before engaging the text itself, providing crucial context and situating the work firmly within the Orthodox tradition.
I could go on at length about the merits of this book, but I will leave it at this: BUY THIS BOOK—you will not regret it!
