Following a photograph of Merton from his hermitage days, Inchausti (English, California Polytechnic State U., San Luis Obispo) frames his analysis of this famous dissident monk with Kierkegaard's definition of an apostle: living in paradoxical relation to the human condition. The author explores Merton's life (1915-1968) and writings, and concludes that his greatest achievement was practicing the compassion and self- transformation that he preached. Includes a chronology, sample daily schedules, and a dictionary of Merton definitions. Paper edition (0-7914-3636-5), $19.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.