John Henry Newman: A Mind Alive

by Roderick Strange

minor shelf wear only

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wonderful John M. Kelly Library at St. Michael's College put together a book display dedicated to John Henry Newman after his canonization. I'd been curious about Newman after hearing about him through First Things. Having tried and failed to read his "Apologia," I picked up this book because it seemed to be an accessible introduction; perhaps a gateway to more. I'm happy to report that "JHN: A Mind Alive" is an excellent primer on Newman's life and thought. Roderick Strange strikes the right balance between biography, historical context, intellectual life, and personal reflection through several thematic chapters. Although far from exhaustive, Strange's book is actually quite a beautiful account of a singular saint.

[JM]

Great book! I debated going Roman a couple of times! I have a better understanding on why Newman left Anglicanism when he did. I'm not quick to say that those who left/are leaving Anglicanism now, for Rome, are in the same situation as Newman. I also have a better understanding on why the Cardinal is still admired by both Anglo-Catholics and Roman Catholics alike.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this with a wonderfully donnish and avuncular performance by Bob Sinfield. That enlivened this already entertaining study by Fr Roderick Strange, who's written often about Newman. While the melodramatic choir snippets at the end of each chapter in the audio format laid it on too thick, both the book itself and the reading of it made for a valuable introduction to JHN. He intersperses his own experiences, too, to lighten the content a bit and to keep it from becoming dry. After an initial chapter on JHN's life, there are thematic chapters on various aspects. The one on the role of the laity I found particularly sharp, and the one on his vision of the university enlightening.

[Robby Rami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fascinating man with a fascinating life.

[Tiina Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about near past of UK.

[Felix Leminen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t a biography about Newman’s life, but more of a biography of Newman’s thinking.

[Thomas Papa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lucid and inspirational account of the life of this giant figure and doctor of the church. A source of ongoing meditation.

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Review: I was looking for a short overview of Newman and his thought before I pick up some of Newman's own writing. This fit the bill. It is not a full biography but intended as an introduction. The author has lectured on Newman and converted some of the lectures into the book instead of starting from scratch and that shows. It could be better put together and there is some unnecessary repetition. I am interested in reading the fuller biography from Ian Kerr later.

My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/john-henry-newman/

[Chels S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Novus Ordo trash. Author states Newman showed him one could be Catholic AND English when Newman was a Liberal and therefore not Catholic and it was Catholicism which MADE England.