This biography tells the story of John Main through letters, anecdotes, and reminiscences by family, friends and colleagues. A collection of photographs adds a personal touch to this story. The book gives a new dimension to our understanding of the man, the monk and his teaching. 

John Main reminds us that the spiritual pilgrimage invites us to have the courage to become more and more silent; the journey starts when we accept the discipline of silence, stillness and simplicity. Laurence Freeman, John Main’s spiritual successor, says, ‘It is important to see how John Main's pilgrimage and mission were fully inserted into his humanity. It is the authenticity of his life that in the final analysis teaches us.’