Monica Furlong

Monica Furlong was a British author, journalist, and activist renowned for her contributions to religious discourse and children’s literature. She gained recognition as one of the Church of England’s most influential laypersons, writing extensively on spirituality, reform, and notable religious figures. Her acclaimed biographies included works on John Bunyan, Thomas Merton, Thérèse of Lisieux, and Alan Watts. Furlong also authored the beloved Wise Child series, comprising "Wise Child," "Juniper," and "Colman," which showcased her versatility as a writer.

Furlong began her career in 1956 as a feature writer for *Truth* magazine before transitioning to religious journalism for *The Spectator* and *Daily Mail*. A vocal advocate for reform, she championed inclusivity in her debut book, "With Love to the Church," and later campaigned for women’s ordination and leadership roles within the Church of England. Her writing often explored themes of spirituality, mysticism, and social justice, reflecting her deep engagement with religious and cultural issues. Furlong’s autobiography, "Bird of Paradise," offered a candid reflection on her life, while "Travelling In," her controversial account of LSD experiences, sparked debate and was banned by Church of Scotland bookshops. Her legacy endures as a pioneering voice in both theological and literary circles.
Doran Books
# Title Year
1 Wise Child 1987
2 Juniper / A Year and a Day 1990
3 Colman 2004
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 The Cat's Eye 1977
2 Cousins 1983
Short Stories/Novellas
# Title Year
1 Women Included 1991
Children's Books
# Title Year
1 Robin's Country 1995
2 That Kid! (With: Thomas Fowler) 2021
Poetry
# Title Year
1 God's a good man, and other poems 1974
2 Love Unknown 2021
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
1 With Love to the Church 1965
2 Travelling in 1971
3 The End Of Our Exploring 1973
4 Puritan's Progress 1975
5 The Trial of John Bunyan & The Persecution of the Puritans 1978
6 Burrswood 1978
7 Merton 1980
8 Divorce 1981
9 Feminine In The Church 1984
10 Merton a Biography 1985
11 Zen Effects 1985
12 Genuine Fake 1986
13 Therese Of Lisieux 1987
14 Mirror to the Church 1988
15 A Dangerous Delight 1991
16 Christian Uncertainties 1993
17 Contemplating Now 1993
18 Our Childhood's Pattern 1995
19 Bird of Paradise 1995
20 Visions and Longings 1996
21 The Wisdom of Julian of Norwich 1996
22 The Life of Christina of Markyate 1997
23 Emma Lazarus 1997
24 Flight of the Kingfisher 1997
25 The Travels of Egeria 1997
26 Act of Synod, Act of Folly? 1998
27 Stories from the Old Testament 1998
28 C of E 2000
29 Women Pray 2001
30 Dreamers Of Dreams (With: Cherry Denman) 2001
31 Prayers And Poems 2005