Prayers, Verses, and Devotions

Rating:
Summary: Newman's Interior Life
Review: Newman is rarely perceived as a private fellow, known more for his public writings and activities. This fine compilation of Newman's own spiritual writings shows Newman was ever the same person, private or public. These "interior" writings have the same landscape and flavor that his public writings do -- without the usual rhetorical flourishes. And that's what makes this volume disappoint. Newman is exquisite when it comes to logic, rhetoric, and exposition, among the very best of the Victorian Age. Strip his writings of his logic and exegesis, and the eisegesis becomes somewhat banal and distant. This interior exposition cannot be compared to that of the Carmelites or other spiritualists. It's genuine Newman -- intelligent and mannered, but not a very exciting read.