ISBN: 1-931816-03-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-931816-03-8
$14.95 , 144 pages
$11.96 Online Price
(Quality paperback)

                                     Contact:  Anna Hourihan  Tel:  (866) 549-4757
                                                                                    Fax: (530) 549-5743
                                                                            Email: info@vedanticshorespress.com
 

Third Time's a Charm for Small Publisher
Three Awards Won in Third Year  

For the third straight year Vedantic Shores Press, a small publisher in Redding, California has received recognition for one of its titles. Its latest publication, Mysticism in American Literature: Thoreau's Quest and Whitman's Self  by Paul Hourihan was honored with three awards presented by the Northern California Publishers & Authors Association (formerly Sacramento Publishers and Authors) at their Annual Book Awards and Conference on April 9, 2005 in Sacramento. Anna Hourihan, who is publishing the works of her late husband, Paul Hourihan, under the imprint of Vedantic Shores Press, accepted the Bronze Book Award, Best Spiritual Book, and Best General Non-Fiction Book Awards for 2004 - 2005.

The first two titles, Ramakrishna and Christ, The Supermystics: New Interpretations, and The Death of Thomas Merton, A Novel  received The Best Spiritual Book Awards from the Sacramento Publishers & Authors Association for 2002 and 2003 respectively.

Much has been written about Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman as prominent American writers of the 19th century, but there is much less available regarding their spirituality, which infused their classics with unique force. Mysticism in American Literature focuses on this lesser known aspect, the mysticism which was a major influence in their lives and writings. Through this study we find out how their great works were inspired by their spiritual revelations and struggles. We also discover the deeper significance of notable passages from Thoreau's classic Walden and Whitman's poem "Song of Myself," which have eluded many of us.    

By sharing with these remarkable men of letters their wisdom and strengths as well as their faults, and failings, our own evolution advances. This book serves to open the heart of self-discovery for readers seeking their own enlightenment.

The author, Paul Hourihan, was born and educated in Boston where he earned a doctorate in American literature from Boston University. For 15 years he taught dozens of courses in Ontario, Canada on the subject of great mystics and mysticism. Hourihan, committed to the spiritual path for over 45 years, was a serious student of the world's mystical traditions. By combining his lifelong passion for literature and mysticism in this work, he gives us valuable insights into two of America's great literary mystics.

More information is available from the newly redesigned website for Vedantic Shores Press at www.VedanticShoresPress.com, which better reflects the mission of Vedantic Shores Press to provide guidance and greater self-understanding to spiritual seekers.

Mysticism in American Literature: Thoreau's Quest and Whitman's Self  is distributed by Baker & Taylor Books, New Leaf, Quality Books, and Brodart. It can be ordered from your favorite bookstore or directly from the publisher, Vedantic Shores Press either securely online or call toll-free (866-549-4757). The retail price is $14.95.

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Mysticism in American Literature: Thoreau's Quest and Whitman's Self  by Paul Hourihan. Original edition, 5½ x 8 ½, 144 pages, (Trade Paper). ISBN: 1-931816-03-4, LCCN: 2003110788, $14.95 U.S., Publication: March 2004.