New Perspectives on Newman and the Oxford Movement

Abstract

Reviews three important studies published incident to the centenary of Newman’s death: Owen Chadwick, The Spirit of the Oxford Movement: Tractarian Essays (1989); Ian Ker, John Henry Newman: A Biography (1988); and Brian Martin, John Henry Newman: His Life and Work (1990, though originally published in1982). Describes a number of the essays in Chadwick’s volume, a collection of the author’s prior published work spanning thirty years. Praises Ker for compiling a highly readable biography that uses Newman’s letters effectively and offers sound insight into his intellectual development. Martin offers a sound sketch of Newman’s life and an introduction to the major spiritual crises he faced. Believes that it is less analytical than Ker’s work.