This book contains John Henry Newman's 1864 treatise, "e;Apologia Pro Vita Sua"e;. It is the seminal defense of the author's religious beliefs. It formed a rejoinder to what Newman considered as a baseless assail on himself, the Catholic church, and Roman Catholic doctrine - by Charles Kingsley (the author of "e;The Water Babies"e;). The book became a best-seller almost overnight, and is still widely read and in print today. This fascinating and seminal text is highly recommended for those with an interest in religion or Catholicism, and would make for a worthy addition to collections of allied literature. John Henry Newman (1801 - 1890) was an influential figure in the religious history of nineteenth-century England. Many vintage texts such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive, and it is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition. It comes complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

The point of controversy, in 1864, between Charles Kingsley and John Henry Newman is now only incidental to what it produced. Out of it came one of the most influential religious autobiographies of western liturature, the Apologia Pro Vita Sua. It is far more than a vigorous defense of religious adherence it is an affirmation of faith and conviction, a projection of a magnetic and powerful personality and dynamic account of spiritual conversion. Anton C. Pegis, the renowned Thomist scholar and distinguished Catholic philosopher, provides an illuminating and perceptive introduction for Cardinal Newman's masterpiece. We are republishing this classic work with a new introductory biography of the author.