50 Spiritual Classics

By: Tom Butler-Bowdon

Narrated by: Richard Poe

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Discover the books that have already changed the lives of millions. This unabridged guide to the literature of the spirit surveys 50 of the all-time classics, giving you their key ideas, insights, and applications - everything you need to know to start benefiting from these legendary works.

From Eastern philosophers (Krishnamurti, Thich Nhat Hanh) and Western mystics (St. Francis of Assisi, Hermann Hesse) to inspiring memoirs (Ghandi, Malcolm X) and current blockbusters (The Purpose-Driven Life, The Power of Now), these are the authors and books that have already guided millions on the journey of inner discovery and enlightenment.

As you are introduced to landmark works ranging from the classic (The Prophet, The Alchemy of Happiness) to the contemporary (The Four Agreements, Conversations with God), you will learn how to:

• Fulfill your potential through life-changing stories of spiritual awakening
• Expand your perception
• Achieve a deeper sense of purpose
• Gain insights into life's biggest questions.

Spanning centuries, spiritual traditions, and secular beliefs, 50 Spiritual Classics is a comprehensive course in inspiration for all spiritual seekers.

©2006 Tom Butler-Bowdon (P)2006 Gildan Media Corp

A Little Dry

The technical coverage of the 50 texts was good - what would have helped was a little more colour or emotion by the reader to help make the various messages come alive. It was much like hearing a thesis covering 50 popular works -- so was sometimes a little dry. Still a good reference for one who wants to know about various spiritual works.

Marvelous companion to the faithful

I love the voice or the narrator & the stories shared of religious experiences across 50 very different books was marvelous.. these overviews inspired several purchases for the actual books.. it’s a must listen to anyone who longs for a sense of spiritually in their life or already has a strong spiritual core - they book is an absolute joy .. I’ve gone in many walks and listened to various chapters. The nice thing is, these stories aren’t sequential so you can listen from any chapter and still be moved by the stories therein :)

Very good

Unexpectedly good - so often bridged summaries of boots are poor cousins. This of entertaining and superbly narrated.

What a Spring board

For anybody interested in seeking the truth this recording is just wonderful. With a brief narration of 50 spiritual books it has really helped as some of my deepest beliefs aren't foolish, they are shared by others who have written books. I have purchase 3 of the 50 books since listening to this tape. Also, if you are a "cut to the chase" kind of person then this will blow you away.

how can you not read this?

Great abstracts from a wide selection of spiritual literature. heavily emphasizes eastern thought yet provides eye opening reviews in an understandable presentation.

great book - good insight

I found this book to be very informative. I plan on reading/listening to many of the books reviewed in it.

The Reader's Digest of spirituality literature

A well done summary of classics, bubbling up the important themes and points. Highly recommend for open-minded seekers of spiritual truth and wisdom. I'll be listening to this again, as I'm sure I missed a few informative and inspiring pieces along the way. ☺

The content is excellent. The narration is perfect

But the packaging and presentation are below par. Chapters are not named, hence navigation is problematic.
Why do you tolerate this sloppiness?

Worth the Credit

I liked this book because it was a great introduction to other books and authors that I had never heard of. Then it suddenly became an opportunity for me to discover a lot of new and wonderful things. I love when that happens...one great thing leads to another. And for that reason alone - the book is worth the credit.

useful as review or starting point

This is a good memory aid for books you may have read long ago, or books with which you want a nodding acquaintance for cultural literacy. While it's OK for helping you pick future reads, the compendium itself is getting a little dated. Also, I'd classify some of the works covered as more as "self-development" than spiritual. There are few theolgical-spiritual or Buddhist infused selections - more the well-known (old) classics and more recent pop-psych spirituality types.

It is dry - not meant as a relaxing or indepth coverage of any of the authors. What you see in the product add is what you get. If you are heading for a desert island, better to pick one good book on spirituality and take that instead.