Apologia Pro Vita Sua [A Defense of One's Life]

By: Cardinal John Henry Newman

Narrated by: Greg Wagland

Apologia Pro Vita Sua (A Defence Of His Life) by Cardinal Newman offers a marvellous insight into the mind of a devout Christian, a colossal figure of the nineteenth century. It is, moreover, one of the greatest spiritual autobiographies ever written in the English language, laying out the development of John Henry Newman's religious opinions up to the year 1845 when he finally converted to Roman Catholicism.

It was Charles Kingsley's withering and defamatory attack which prompted its writing, giving Newman 'ten weeks of anxious work', as he pieced together the evolution of his beliefs. Newman's beautiful prose has rightly been described as 'regal', the scholarly arguments are crystal clear and the structure reassuringly chronological; his utter demolition of Kingsley's accusations (especially that of untruthfulness) at the end of the Apologia is meticulous, inexorable and truly awe-inspiring. It is read by Greg Wagland.

©2013 John Henry Newman (P)2013 Magpie Audio

newman's intellectual and spiritual journey

Would you consider the audio edition of Apologia Pro Vita Sua [A Defense of One's Life] to be better than the print version?

I have read the print version of the Apologia and also listened to the audio book. My conclusion is that the audio is superior because it brings out Newman's flowing eloquence more clearly and his wit is more evident. These qualities are less noticeable in the printed version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of course in this book, the main character is Newman, and his own introspective analysis makes the book intellectually engaging and fascinating as a story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book is moving, but Newman's final discovery of the principle of catholicity in relation to antiquity is the most fascinating.

Any additional comments?

Newman's book articulates why he left Protestantism to become Catholic. He answers charges that his motives were dishonest or founded on ignorance, and he does so with brilliance. This is a classic in the English language as well as a top-notch work in apologetics. All Protestants (high or low church) ought to read it.

Newman’s Conversion Epic

A beautiful testament to the Truth of the Catholic Faith and the importance of one’s conscience following God’s inspiration.

Masterful presentation of a classic

Newman's intellectual rigor and the emotional intensity of his conversion from Anglicanism to the Catholic faith are presented powerfully in his justly famous Apologia. The summation of his engagement with theological controversies of the early Church gives flesh and blood to material some readers might find unapproachable. Wagland's reading is flawless, conveying Newman's personal intensity and intellectual discipline while entirely subordinating his delivery to the text.

Newman

Where does Apologia Pro Vita Sua [A Defense of One's Life] rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Number 2

What was one of the most memorable moments of Apologia Pro Vita Sua [A Defense of One's Life]?

In some sections, particularly in his footnotes, Newman explains theological issues, although that is not the main thrust of the work.

Have you listened to any of Greg Wagland’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No first time and its great!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Chapter 4

Any additional comments?

John has a great intellect.

Outstanding in every way.

Superb. A timeless classic read exceedingly well. I highly recommend to anyone interested in the good Cardinal's life.