Every Christian is a soldier in the war for their soul. The battleground is the heart, and the enemies are pride, self-love, disordered desires, and spiritual complacency. Yet, victory in spiritual life does not depend on the strength of the self, but rather mistrust of the self, and complete confidence in God.

In The Spiritual Combat, Lorenzo Scupoli aims to warn the faithful against the various forms of deception that may dampen even the most heroic efforts, and speaks of various methods of achieving self-knowledge and discernment. He teaches that true progress is made not through emotional fervor or lofty ideals, but through humility, prayer, interior vigilance, and perseverance in the face of trial. First published in 1589 and praised by saints such as Francis de Sales (Introduction to the Devout Life), The Spiritual Combat remains a reliable manual for those who seek to fight the good fight.

This new translation from the original Italian by Francesca A. Bosco provides contemporary readers a modern, yet elegant interpretation of the time-honored classic.