Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0312194633, Paperback)

In this inspiring book, Peter France, who spends much of his time living in a semi-eremitic manner on the Greek island Patmos, explores the history of hermits and uncovers the truths they found in their solitude. This rich compendium provides engaging accounts of the lives of famous hermits and hermitic movements--from the Greek Cynics to the Desert Fathers to more modern seekers such as Thoreau, Thomas Merton, and the American poet Robert Lax. As an antidote to disillusionment with the modern world and as a guide to rediscovering our true selves, Hermits will not fail to provide reassuring enlightenment.