The Philokalia

A fresh translation of the foundational anthology of the Eastern Orthodox Church, available in Penguin Classics for the first time

A Penguin Classic

The Philokalia is an anthology of thirty-six spiritual texts written between the fourth and fifteenth centuries by the masters of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Its authors include several of the major Hesychasts (hermits), such as Evagrius Ponticus and Gregory Palamas. Its revival is most famously associated with Nikodimos and Makarios, as part of their tireless efforts to restore Orthodoxy in Greece and achieve independence from the political and religious authority of the Ottoman Empire between the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. First published in Greek in 1782, the collection was later translated into Slavonic (1793) and Russian (1877), in a bid to expand its readership from monks to ordinary Christians. Aside from the Bible, The Philokalia is considered the most influential book on the Orthodox Church in recent history. Revered for offering a rich tapestry of wisdom on the path to union with God, the texts serve as a guide to contemplative prayer, ‘inner asceticism’ and the purification of the soul. The foundational essence and enduring relevance of its themes testify to the importance of its republication, in a timeless Penguin Classics edition.

Penguin Classics is the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world, representing a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs