Overview

The centennial of John Henry Newman's death in 1890 marks an appropriate time for a critical reevaluation of his work. Here Ian Ker, noted Newman scholar and author of the definitive John Henry Newman: A Biography, considers Newman's achievement as a whole but in a focused and selective way. Ker deliberately concentrates on five aspects of Newman's intellectual and literary achievement that constitute his essential genius. Newman's role as an educator is examined first through an interpretation of his theory of a liberal education found in The Idea of a University, which Ker claims has often been misunderstood in certain crucial respects. Newman's philosophical writings, including An Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent, are looked at next while Ker argues that Newman is not simply an important apologist for Christianity but also a significant philosopher in his own right, whose originality is only beginning to be appreciated. Ker also presents Newman the preacher, providing a critique of the Anglican sermons that have long been recognized for their spirituality but that have received surprisingly little attention with regard to their homiletic and literary art. Newman's theological themes are explored as Ker offers a reassessment and overall view of the theological writings of both the Anglican and Catholic periods. And, lastly, Ker considers Newman's literary achievement, which has been generally underrated and to a considerable extent even unperceived. Throughout this provocative book, Ker mediates Newman's theological understanding to the believer of today, to the inquiring general reader, and to all scholars interested in embracing both post-Vatican II thinking and traditional Catholic thought.

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9780268006310

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Reviews

This book displays an admirable familiarity with the whole corpus of Newman's writings. --The Thomist An excellent, very readable summary of Cardinal Newman's intellectual achievement and its meaning for contemporary Christians... --Library Journal To portray the features that constitute the achievement of John Henry Newman (1801-90) in a single book is a bold task given the enormity of his corpus and the complexity of his thought. Yet Ian ker succeeds with aplomb. Whether the reader is intimately familiar with Newman's writings or a beginner, this book deserves attention. --The Canadian Catholic Review Each of these five portraits of the mind of Newman is magisterial, persuasive, and refreshing. --Theological Studies The focus of concentration by Ker is well served and documented with significant insights into Newman's multifaceted personality. --Emmanuel The Achievement of John Henry Newman provides a succinct and useful summary of ideas that should be on the reading list of anyone who has serious interest in liberal education. --History of Education Quarterly Ker's brief study of several of Newman's major volumes (Idea of a University, Essay on Development, and Grammar of Assent) will serve as a fine introduction to Newman the writer and thinker. Highly recommended. --Choice

Author Information

Ian Ker is a member of the theology faculty at Oxford University. His many works include The Catholic Revival in English Literature, 1845-1961 (University of Notre Dame Press, 2003).

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