Unseen Warfare (2nd Edition)

Hardcover

Unseen Warfare is a spiritual classic that explores the inner struggle every believer faces in the pursuit of holiness. Originally written by Lorenzo Scupoli, a sixteenth-century Venetian priest, the book became influential across both Western and Eastern Christian traditions. It was recognized for its spiritual depth by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, who revised it somewhat, and later substantially refined and translated by Theophan the Recluse in the nineteenth century.

This work draws richly from the wisdom of saints and Church Fathers, uniting insights from a host of Christian sources to guide readers in their spiritual journey. It emphasizes that the true battleground for spiritual growth is within the human heart. As Theophan wrote: “The time of battle is our whole life.”

With its practical advice on resisting sin and cultivating virtue, Unseen Warfare remains a profound companion for those seeking deeper spiritual discipline and complements other essential works like the Philokalia, with which both Nicodemus and Theophan realized it shared much in common.

This new edition has been revised to include a new introduction and a number of footnotes intended to help clarify for the reader the relation of this book to Orthodox spirituality in general and especially to the tradition of the Philokalia, while also providing patristic citations that were previously missing. It is presented in a beautifully produced hardcover with dust jacket, perfect bound, and newly typeset for improved readability.