Lorenzo Scupoli (c.1530-1610), was born in Otranto, Italy. He was admitted to the religious order of the Theatine Regular Clerks of St. Cajetan, in 1571, and by his desire, was called Lorenzo of Otranto. He later went to Milan, under the provost St. Andrew Avellino. After many years of active duties, he retired into strict seclusion and wrote The Spiritual Combat.

In 1589, the first edition of Il combattimento spirituale (The Spiritual Combat) appeared and contained thirty-three chapters. But Scupoli continued to add to the text, and it gradually grew into the current version containing sixty-six chapters. Since its introduction, four centuries ago, approximately six hundred editions have been published globally.

This edition, from Scriptoria books, is an authentic reproduction of the Rivingtons’ translation from their Library of Spiritual Works. It contains the complete original text of The Spiritual Combat, and also includes two additional writings by Scupoli, The Supplement and The Path to Paradise, which further address and deal with our imperfect nature.