Mind of the Oxford Movement

The Mind of the Oxford Movement, edited by Owen Chadwick, 233 pages

First published in 1960 as part of the Library of Modern Religious Thought series, The Mind of the Oxford Movement brings together an array of typical writings highlighting the nature and aims of the Movement.

In his long introduction, editor Chadwick stresses the affinities between the Oxford Movement and its contemporaries Romanticism and Evangelicalism, primary among them a stress on lived experience which differentiated the Movement from its high church forebears going back to Hooker, Donne, and Laud.  This brings with it an appreciation of the role of poetry in the Movement, which Chadwick understands as congruent with the liturgical concerns which were its most visible aspect.

The selection and organization of material is excellent, minimizing redundancy while allowing for a relatively full presentation of the authors' positions.  Although pre-conversion Newman is certainly well represented, Keble and Pusey are not overshadowed, and lesser lights are allowed their opportunity to shine as well.