The sixteenth-century friar known as St. John of the Cross is regarded as one of Spain's foremost poets, as well as one of the greatest mystical poets of any language. Drawn to the contemplative life, he joined St. Teresa of Avila in her reform of the Discalced Carmelites. St. John considered his poetry to be the most authentic expression of his theology and his mystical experience. This new edition of his works of spiritual guidance both modernizes the original text and retains its rhetorical grandeur. In addition to eight poems, this volume features St. John's four major prose works: Subida del Monte Carmelo ("The Ascent of Mount Carmel"), Noche oscura ("The Dark Night"), Cantico espiritual ("The Spiritual Canticle"), and Llama de amor viva ("The Living Flame of Love"). Translator Stanley Appelbaum provides an informative Introduction, in addition to helpful notes on each item.