The Idea of a University

By: John Henry Newman

Narrated by: Christopher Romance

John Henry Newman (1801 - 1890) was a theologian and poet; at first an Anglican, and later a Catholic priest and cardinal. He was an important and controversial figure in the religious history of England in the 19th century. The Idea of a University consists of Part One, “University Teaching”, and Part Two, “University Subjects”. Newman introduces this work by stating that in essence, a university is a place of teaching universal knowledge, but that the Church is necessary for the integrity of the institution. He discusses the bearing of theology on other fields, and examines the relationship of Christianity with literature and with the physical sciences.

Public Domain (P)2019 Museum Audiobooks

Little issue

At the end of I think chapter 1, audio kind of repeats itself before changing chapters.

Very poor reading

The reader sounds like a hack TV anchor with voice rising/falling in a cadence that shows no connection with text. The mispronunciations are appalling, including repeated uses of "ex-specially" for the word especially. This work is a timeless classic and needs to be read by someone with a much clearer understanding. This voice actor does have good diction, but should stick to reading romance novels.

Required listening to consider for the Academy

This audible edition is three of the original nine discourses from Saint John Henry Newman's The Idea of a University. The audio is thought-provoking and important for any member of the higher education community to consider. Although these discourses are over 100 years old, their content is as relevant as ever. What is the purpose of Higher Education? Who does it serve? There are many books and opinion pieces on the market related to this topic. Newman brings the reader back to the origins of the University and its ancestry in Ancient Greece. I've picked up the full nine discourses in paperback to learn more!

not the full text

This is not the full text of Newman's Idea of a University. it was rather jarring to realize how much longer the full text is.

Wrong book

This is not the Idea of a University but the Rise and progress of universities, a different book.