Monday, 25 February 2019

Santiago de Compostela: The Pilgrim Way of St James - David Baldwin - CTS Christian Shrines Series

Santiago de Compostela: The Pilgrim Way of St James
CTS Christian Shrines Series
David Baldwin
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860821073
eISBN 9781784693176
ASIN B072XRSL15
CTS Booklet D763


 I have now read books from the CTS Christian Shrines Series 12 times over the last few months. I have been absolutely loving this series. So far, I have been focusing on the two main styles of books. Pilgrimage companions and books focusing on the message from the shrine. And have been alternating back and forth between the two types. But I had some trepidation about reading this volume. For I have always had a specific interest in the Way of Saint James. I did a fourth year seminar when in university on this pilgrimage, and have read extensively on it previously. But I should not have been concerned for I have loved all the books in the CTS Christian Shrines Series that I have read and this one is one of the best. I have long had an interest in Pilgrimage. I have written about personal pilgrimage, and desire for pilgrimage previously. But of the books I have read in the series this one is different than any of the others. 

 This volume is part history. It is a history of pilgrimage and specifically Santiago de Compostela. It is also part prayer books with a collection of prayers for before, during and even after pilgrimage. But it is also part personal journal. In this volume there are dated entries by David Baldwin on his path and pilgrimage along this route. The actual chapters in the book are:

 Preface
Pilgrim Ways
Saint James the Greater and Santiago de Compostela
Iter Sancti Jacobi
Le Chemin de Saint-Jacques
El Camino de Santiago
Pilgrimage Reflections and Devotions

 In the introduction the Ambassador to the Court of St James states: 

 “A debt of gratitude is certainly owed to the author, David Baldwin, for providing such a scholarly and fascinating book which will help both seasoned pilgrim and attract those who have still to make the journey.”

 And that really is a great summary of this book. It is an excellent work. It could serve as a great guide for those who wish to learn more about this pilgrimage. It could be used for study or meditation.  Or just as an introduction. 

 I have been loving this series, and as stated this is one of the best in the series. There are also several other books from CTS that could support your quest for knowledge on pilgrimages and Christian shrines. But this volume on Santiago is a wonderful read. I look forward to exploring more in the Christian Shrines Series. And highly recommend this wonderful series and specifically this book on the Pilgrim Way of Saint James.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Other Books in the CTS Christian Shrines Series:
Message of Assisi
Message of Fatima
Message of Guadalupe
Message of Walsingham
Santiago: Santiago de Compostela - The Pilgrim Way of St James






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