In the Fall 2015 issue of the Newman Studies Journal there is a review which I wrote on The ‘Making of Men’. The Idea and reality of Newman’s university in Oxford and Dublin, by Paul Shrimpton, Leominster (United Kingdom), Gracewing, 2015.

Below are two paragraphs of the review on this excellent book.

The ‘Making of Men’ is, as the full title reads, a thorough study of the idea and reality behind Newman’s work in founding the Catholic University of Ireland during the years 1851-1858. The author, Paul Shrimpton, teacher at Magdalen College School, Oxford, and specialist in the history of education, is also author of A Catholic Eton? Newman’s Oratory School.

For university authorities and professors as well as chaplains, this book presents Newman’s compelling case for the pastoral dimension of university education: that is, “everything that goes on outside the lecture hall, laboratory and library” (p. xxxii) to “make men.” The failure of the Catholic University was only relative because through it we have gained the idea and the reality of Newman’s university.” The ‘Making of Men’ is an excellent account of this work providing a detailed view of the pastoral care of university students, a side of Newman’s legacy mostly unknown except to Newman scholars. It gives the reader a window into Newman’s vision of education, his warmth and genuine concern for students, care for details, and respect for the role of the laity in the teaching and governance of a university. This inspiring account shows the essential pastoral side of Newman’s Idea of a University made a reality, and helps us to think about how to form university students today.

Dr. Shrimpton has recently launched a website with 120 pages on university education based on Newman’s legacy. The website’s title is ideaofauniversity This is a very good resource for students and parents.