"This truly excellent book is indeed a treasure to be delighted in and shared with others. The author skilfully weaves together the strands of evocative descriptions of the various deserts of the world, the lives and teachings of those who have eked out a life of prayer in such seemingly inhospitable places, and reflections on how their example might be applied in our own day. Here is rich fruit for the picking." --Nicholas Alan Worssam SSF, guardian, Glasshampton Franciscan Monastery "This is a profound, timely read, cover-to-cover. Andrew Mayes illuminates the most desolate places of our world--and of our lives--with the brilliance of a very seasoned guide. His lyrical writing style and his posture of watchfulness and deep listening teems with hope. Fear not, the deserts in life are the route." --Curtis Almquist, Society of Saint John the Evangelist "Treasures of wisdom and transformation are all the way through this insightful, scholarly, challenging, exciting book.

In the arid deserts of our contemporary lives and the troubles of our global village Mayes's words are treasures and gifts of wisdom and hope. An excellent resource for formation programs, including the training of spiritual directors." --John Stewart, co-director, Melbourne Living Well Centre for Christian Spirituality "This is a veritable adventure--a spiritual odyssey--for anyone in search of the treasure of a vision uplifted and a life empowered. Mind and spirit are constantly expanded through engaging with the alluring challenges of the silence and stillness of our global deserts, a journey that will leave no part of us untouched." --Peter Yates, Community of the Servants of the Will of God.