This is a selection of passages of the first Christian mystics with a extended and lively commentary. This book first approaches the subject doctrinally, reflecting in the mystery rather that on it. Then it looks at the path of ascesis but with the objective of learning how to let go. The final journey is to contemplation expressed in a capacity for loving with a love that is creative. To achieve this journey the book contains: texts, translated so as to appeal as directly as possible to non-specialists; and accompanying commentary to provide links between the necessarily fragmentary and disjointed selection of texts; biographical notes at the end of the book in alphabetical order of authors quoted. There are also added notes on Arianism, Early Monasticism and Monophysitism.