The Life and Correspondence of Thomas Arnold

Thomas Arnold (1795-1842) was Head of Rugby School in England from 1828, and, for the final year of his life, Professor of History at Oxford University. He played a pivotal role in the British educational system, and was known for his then controversial ideas on schooling and religion. First published in 1844, these two volumes present a diverse collection of Arnold's correspondence, compiled by his friend and former pupil, Dean of Westminster, Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815-81). Interspersed with a biographical commentary by Stanley, the letters in Volume 2 illustrate his contests with the Oxford School of Theology, and his correspondence with various Church figures. Other letters further reveal his views on education, politics, and public affairs, and document his year at Oxford. At the end of the volume is printed a supplement from 1847 which provides additional material unavailable at the time of the first edition.