"The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself" is the autobiographical account of Saint Teresa of Avila, a prominent 16th century Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, theologian, and writer of the Counter Reformation. Saint Teresa of Avila was born in 1515 in Avila, Spain to a wealthy and prominent family. After the death of her mother when she was 11, she went to live with the Augustinian nuns and devoted the rest of her life to the church until her death in 1582. Believed to have been written prior to 1567 at the direction of her confessor, Father Pedro Ibanez, Saint Teresa's autobiography has a didactic tone, similar to many of her other writings. Her autobiography is intended to be instructional and to show the reader how to live a more devout Christian life in the manner put forth by the Catholic Church. A classic work of Christian mysticism "The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself" is a must read for anyone seeking a more contemplative life and a closer and more spiritual connection with God through prayer and religious devotion. This edition follows the translation of David Lewis.