Michael Ramsey: A Life

by Owen Chadwick

To write this life of Michael Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, Owen Chadwick had unrestricted access to the archives of Lambeth Palace and materials fomerly in Lord Ramsey's possession. The resulting biography gives a uniquely perceptive account of Ramsey's life and work and, through them, his time. `judicially selective and elegantly written... The book will repay several readings by all who are especially concerned with life in the Church of England and life in this country today' (David Jenkins, Bishop of Durham, in The Guardian). `What will no doubt be his definitive Life, a fine gift to us all' (Archbishop Donald Coggan in The Church of England Newspaper). `A triumph of the biographer's art' (Church Times). A splendidly unstately portrait of a highly unorthodox Prince of the Church' (Anthony Howard in The Independent on Sunday). Owen Chadwick is a Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, and Chancellor of the University of East Anglia. He was knighted in 1982.

Genres: Church History

446 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 1990

About the author

William Owen Chadwick, OM, KBE, FBA, FRSE, was a British Anglican clergyman, academic, writer and prominent historian of Christianity. He was also a rugby union player. He was Master of Selwyn College, Cambridge, from 1956 to 1983, Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History from 1958 to 1968, and Regius Professor of History from 1968 to 1983.

Reviews

[Andy Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful insight into the life of Michael Ramsey and into life in the 1960s and 1970s and the challenges facing the church in these times.

[Ben Fairchild · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very friendly biography, about a very friendly man, who found himself Archbishop of Canterbury during the great shift towards secular liberalism, after the climax of Western civilisation. I am not sure that he was the best man for the job; perhaps being too much "of the world" - he was criticised for applying the weight of his position to political disputes which lay beneath the compass of his lofty comprehension, and perhaps also being too little "in the world" - he was much attracted to Orthodox mysticism and contemplation.

We might learn from history that the challenge of direct interaction with the crowd is not well met by the ideal politics and the politic ideas of academics fresh plucked from ivory towers. We need such as have the cynicism to express the completion of God's purpose in infinite love as enjoyed with spiritual perfection for all eternity, in terms which speak to those rude and selfish concerns which claim the serious and energetic attention of the public. Just as Jesus appealed to people's avarice, sloth and pride. And the real politik to create political allies as did Jesus in supporting the Roman tax.

[Mike Print · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really easy book to read, Owen Chadwick has the biography down to a fine art. Once you get past the childhood, which is often a slow bit of any biography, it really belts along. Throughout you get a real sympathy for Michael and, even though I don't agree with all of his theology, I found his sense of humility, love for God and people a real challenge and encouragement. Well worth a read for anyone interested in the Anglican church, or the history of C20th England in relation to the church.

[Chris Kan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this - such a wonderful man. I was very sad to finish it as Owen Chadwick’s writing is such a joy to read.