Gratitude and Grace

This book beautifully describes, reflects upon and illuminates the thought, writings and life of Michael Mayne. He wrote as he spoke as he was — compassionate, sensitive, thoughtful, humorous and luminously intelligent. In Gratitude and Grace, through his own description of Michael's books, Joel Huffstetler introduces the richness of the work of Michael Mayne and brings it to life. -- Christina Shewell, voice teacher and speech and voice pathologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer at University College London
The title of this book perfectly expresses what readers will experience as they explore these pages. Spiritual insights from Michael Mayne's writings are introduced herein and illuminated with references to works by many other Christian apologists. Theresulting text offers both wisdom and radiance that will bless those who take seriously the invitation to be sojourners with Christ. The Emeritus Dean of Westminster Abbey has much to give us all through Gratitude and Grace. -- Elizabeth Vardaman, associate dean for Special Programs, College of Arts and Sciences, Baylor University
If any persuasion is needed to read and re-read the books of Michael Mayne, Joel Huffstetler's text will be more than sufficient. With self-effacing care, he and those to whom he turns bring back the living voice and the welcoming presence of a man who was one of the most gifted and generous-minded spiritual writers of his generation. Huffstetler has put all of those who treasure Michael's writing and want to introduce it to new readers in his debt. -- The Rev. Dr. Nicholas Sagovsky, Canon Theologian, Westminster Abbey
An invaluable and perceptive guide to the works of one of our greatest contemporary Anglican spiritual writers. -- The Rt. Rev. Dr. John Austin Baker, (retired) Bishop of Salisbury
I am convinced that Michael Mayne's writings will become increasingly recognised as contemporary spirituality classics which are rooted and grounded in the author's humanity. Dr. Huffstetler makes clear in his short, perceptive, readable book in what ways the reading and rereading each volume has been for him instructive, inspiring and a pleasure. I suspect and hope the depth of his study will enthuse many others to discover the riches of Mayne's books and and share in the pleasure of being instructed and inspired. -- The Rt. Rev. John Waller, (retired) Bishop of Stafford and the Midlands
Michael Mayne always wrote from the heart. But his writings are also memorable for their intellectual honesty, literary allusions and profound theological insights. Dr. Joel Huffstetler's Gratitude and Grace will introduce Michael Mayne to a new circle of readers whose lives are bound to be enriched as they encounter this faithful priest, who was also such a good man. -- The Rev. Barrie E. Hibbert, former minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, London, U.K.
The title of this book perfectly expresses what readers will experience as they explore these pages. Spiritual insights from Michael Mayne's writings are introduced herein and illuminated with references to works by many other Christian apologists. The resulting text offers both wisdom and radiance that will bless those who take seriously the invitation to be sojourners with Christ. The Emeritus Dean of Westminster Abbey has much to give us all through Gratitude and Grace. -- Elizabeth Vardaman, associate dean for Special Programs, College of Arts and Sciences, Baylor University
Michael Mayne was an exceptional and extraordinary priest, and his books are modern Anglican classics of spirituality. Michael knew that we are only ever helped by the truth, and yet in Michael's writings the truth, however uncomfortable, was always compelling. We owe Father Huffstetler a huge debt for this sensitive study of a sensitive man, and I am delighted to commend it to anyone who knows Michael's books or who wants to appreciate them more deeply. -- The Very Rev. Peter Eaton, Dean, St. John's Cathedral, Denver, CO
The five books in which Michael Mayne distilled his experiences, first of M.E. (chronic fatigue syndrome), then of the Deanship of Westminster, and finally of retirement leading into terminal illness, have found a wide readership in the U.K. Joel Huffstetler has done a service to the American public with this sympathetic introduction to these books, rightly setting each of them in the context of Mayne's personal and ministerial priorities, and giving due recognition to their rich interweaving of pastoral sensitivity, aesthetic and literary exploration and deep Christian conviction. -- The Rev. Dr. A. E. Harvey, (retired) Canon Theologian, Westminster Abbey
This little book introduces one of the most perceptive and honest of recent English spiritual writers, Michael Mayne. In his profoundly personal series of books, Mayne plumbed the depths of human being in the light of his own experience. Joel Huffstetler succeeds in inviting the reader to engage with a writer who drew on a breadth of learning and the wisdom of a pastor. -- The Rev'd Dr. Mark Chapman, vice principal, Ripon College Cuddesdon, Reader in Modern Theology, University of Oxford
Many are discovering in the writings of Michael Mayne a contemporary expression of authentic Christian spirituality at its very best. We are indebted to Dr. J. W. Huffstetler for this succinct yet highly readable introduction to these writings. He not only places them within the events of Michael's distinguished but demanding life but also opens up helpful links with other present day theological and spiritual writings on both sides of the Atlantic. The real success of this book lies in arousing a deep hunger to read and re-read the pure gold that Michael Mayne has distilled from life's riches and its agonies. -- The Rev'd Canon M. M. Bradshaw, Senior Anglican Chaplain, Athens, Greece
In this powerful and prescient portrait of Michael Mayne's work, Joel Huffstetler brings a modern-day Thomas Traherne to life. He shows how Mayne's writings possess a deep and vibrant spirituality for our age, and offer wisdom and illumination in all the complexities of contemporary culture. This is a meticulous and affectionate portrayal of a classical and innovative Anglican writer, who is still widely read and deeply regarded. -- The Rev'd Canon Martyn Percy, principal, Ripon College Cuddesdon
It is a carefully researched and beautifully written celebration and reflection on Michael Mayne's legacy. * The Parish Magazine Of St. John's, December 2009 *
….thanks to the work of Joel Huffstetler, the ministry of Mayne's writing will live on. May this not be the last of Fr.Huffstetler's scholarly and pastoral efforts on the life and work of Michael Mayne. * The Living Church, March 2010 *
Michael Mayne's remarkable series of books—three of them written after his retirement of Dean of Westminster—are set to have as big an impact in America as they have had in Britain following a new tribute book which as been published in America. * The Westminster Abbey Chorister *
Joel Huffstetler has done a wonderful job of introducing the man and his work. So by all means buy this book. * Network Review *