- Paperback: 110 pages
- Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group (Dec 1979)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0385151292
- ISBN-13: 978-0385151290
- Product Dimensions: 19.8 x 14.2 x 1 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,620,241 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Clowning in Rome: Reflections on Solitude, Celibacy, Prayer, and Contemplation collects four lectures given by the Catholic priest Henri Nouwen at the North American College in Rome in the 1970s. The lectures, which explore each of the topics named in the book's subtitle, are direct, pragmatic and delightful. Nouwen's views on these weighty subjects are suffused with a lightness inspired by the clowns whose street performances captured his imagination during his visit to the Holy City. He describes these clowns as "awkward, out of balance and left-handed"; as reminders of human weakness whose fumblings offer important lessons about the holiness of play. "[W]henever the clowns appear we are reminded that what really counts is something other than the spectacular and the sensational", Nouwen writes. "Clowns remind us of what happens between the scenes. The clowns show us by their 'useless' behavior not simply that many of our preoccupations, worries, tensions, and anxieties need a smile, but that we too have white on our faces and that we too are called to clown a little". --Michael Joseph Gross
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Product Description
A classic work by one of this century's most beloved spiritual writers now reissued.
The inspirational writings of Henri Nouwen have touched millions of readers all over the world, and since his death in September 1996, widespread recognition of their enduring value has continued to grow. Now, after being unavailable for several years, Nouwen's Clowning in Rome is available again as an Image trade paperback. In this classic account of the time he spent in Rome, Nouwen offers reflections and spiritual insight characteristic of his best works. During the months in Rome, it wasn't the red cardinals or the Red Brigade who had the most impact on Nouwen, but the little things that took place between the great scenes. In some ways, Nouwen discovered, the real and true story was told by the clowns he often saw in the city streets. In his own words, from the Introduction to Clowning in Rome: "The clowns are not the center of events. They appear between the great acts, fumble and fall and make us smile again after the tensions created by the heroes we came to admire. The clowns don't have it together--they are awkward, out of balance and left-handed, but--they are on our side. The clowns remind us with a tear and a smile that we are sharing the same human weakness. The longer I was in Rome, the more I enjoyed the clowns, those peripheral people who by their humble, saintly lives evoke a smile and awaken hope, even in a city terrorized by kidnapping and street violence."
The inspirational writings of Henri Nouwen have touched millions of readers all over the world, and since his death in September 1996, widespread recognition of their enduring value has continued to grow. Now, after being unavailable for several years, Nouwen's Clowning in Rome is available again as an Image trade paperback. In this classic account of the time he spent in Rome, Nouwen offers reflections and spiritual insight characteristic of his best works. During the months in Rome, it wasn't the red cardinals or the Red Brigade who had the most impact on Nouwen, but the little things that took place between the great scenes. In some ways, Nouwen discovered, the real and true story was told by the clowns he often saw in the city streets. In his own words, from the Introduction to Clowning in Rome: "The clowns are not the center of events. They appear between the great acts, fumble and fall and make us smile again after the tensions created by the heroes we came to admire. The clowns don't have it together--they are awkward, out of balance and left-handed, but--they are on our side. The clowns remind us with a tear and a smile that we are sharing the same human weakness. The longer I was in Rome, the more I enjoyed the clowns, those peripheral people who by their humble, saintly lives evoke a smile and awaken hope, even in a city terrorized by kidnapping and street violence."
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When we reflect on current events we realize that our world is in a continuous state of emergency. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt
When we reflect on current events we realize that our world is in a continuous state of emergency. Read the first page
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.7 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clowning In Rome, 20 July 2000
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Clowning in Rome: Reflections on Solitude, Celibacy, Prayer and Contemplation (Paperback)
Excellent book that brought a lot of closure to certain episodes in my life. Nouwen had a great gift for being able to write in very easy to understand ways about topics such as celibacy, solitude and contemplation. He gave wonderful insights into why these virtues are so wonderful and necessary for those wanting to grow in holiness. His section on celibacy was very enlightening, especially in this world where it is so misunderstood. I'm thrilled the book is now available again to buy!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sensitivity training for your spirit, 19 Jun 2001
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Clowning in Rome: Reflections on Solitude, Celibacy, Prayer and Contemplation (Paperback)
This book may never hit the top of the charts or appeal to the general christian populace, but if you want to develop your spirit-man so as not to offend the gentle dove of the Holy Spirit, this book will stir you to contemplation and quieting the noise of your flesh so that your spirit may hear deeply. Though it is small, this is not a book to be read quickly. Allow it to seep into your spirit and gradually change your heart.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Expected More., 27 Sep 2009
By Reid Mccormick - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Clowning in Rome: Reflections on Solitude, Celibacy, Prayer and Contemplation (Paperback)
A few months ago I read Nouwen's classic The Wounded Healer. I loved Nouwen's ability to be very deep and serious while remaining personable. Clowning in Rome was recommended to me by a friend, and I look forward to reading another gem from Henri Nouwen.
The first couple of chapters were great. Drawing upon the image of clowns, Nouwen talks about the characters life and how they can be the real show even when they are on the sidelines, similar to clowns at the circus. I thoroughly enjoyed his discussion on solitude and its effect on the individual and the community. Who were are in solitude helps us understand who were are not and how God works with us, things that we can take into community.
The other topics in the book are dull and boring. I was looking forward to his chapter on celibacy however if he admits that he avoids the more obvious questions.
In the end, it's still a good read, but not a life changer or a thinker.
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