John Meyendorff (1926–1992)

Superb little book that serves as an excellent overview and intro to the hesychast tradition and Orthodox Spirituality. Nice pictures of significant historical icons are reproduced throughout. Highly recommended for anyone curious about Orthodoxy.

At first glance, the title may seem a bit misleading, as only about a third of the work concerns itself directly with Palamas and his theological work. It is, however, appropriate to view his contributions (which are not really innovations) in the much longer contexts of Eastern Orthodox Hesychasm ("stillness"), as well as the long-established sacramental life of the Church. Hence the book begins with Evagrius, and continues through John of Kronstadt. An excellent and lucidly-written show more introduction to Hesychasm. show less

This only doesn't get a 5 because the edition redacts material deemed too polemical or otherwise 'inessential' to the main thrust of his argument. And because there are too many endnotes, many of them unnecessary. But the actual writing and thought of St. Gregory is tremendous, of course.

Great introduction to hesychasm and Palamite theology and the historical events leading to the famous controversy with Barlaam of Calabria. Explains the differences between Eastern and Western spirituality, which led to a wide gap between Eastern and Western culture, very well.