by Anonymous (Author), Nina A. Toumanova (Translator)

First published in Russia in 1884, The Way of a Pilgrim has long been treasured by those drawn to Orthodox mysticism. Written anonymously, the work is presented as a first-person spiritual autobiography of a nineteenth-century Russian peasant who, after hearing St. Paul's command to "pray without ceasing," undertakes a journey across Russia to discover true prayer. By means of intimate conversations, the reader is presented with a rich portrait of Russian mysticism and the interior spiritual life. Adding to the intrigue of this book are the questions surrounding its author, who, while almost certainly not a Russian peasant, most likely used his own experience as a pilgrim as the basis for this story. Regardless of its authorship, The Way of a Pilgrim is an enigmatic and profound exploration of prayer, piety, and the Christian life.