Seven Storey Mountain

autobiography by Merton

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

The Seven Storey Mountain is the best-selling spiritual autobiography by Thomas Merton. Published in 1948, it details Merton's early life, his conversion to Catholicism, and his decision to enter the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani. Merton, born in 1915, became a prolific writer on spiritual and social themes and is considered a significant American Roman Catholic writer of the 20th century. The book chronicles his journey toward religious life and his pursuit of spiritual quests within the monastic order.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Thomas Merton
The Seven Storey Mountain and other spiritual writings
With the publication of The Seven Storey Mountain, he gained an international reputation. From 1951 to 1955 Merton served as master of scholastics (students for the priesthood) at the Trappist abbey, followed by 10 years serving as master of novices (1955–65). In the latter role he became friends with…
Read More
With the publication of The Seven Storey Mountain, he gained an international reputation. From 1951 to 1955 Merton served as master of scholastics (students for the priesthood) at the Trappist abbey, followed by 10 years serving as master of novices (1955–65). In the latter role he became friends with…
Read More