The Life and Correspondence of Thomas Arnold: Late Head Master of Rugby School, and Regius Professor of Modern History in the University of Oxford

Head of Rugby School for over a decade, Thomas Arnold (1795-1842) became Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford in the final year of his life. Known for his controversial ideas on schooling and religion, he was a prominent and influential figure in the history of British education. First published in 1844, this two-volume work presents a diverse collection of Arnold’s correspondence, compiled by his friend and former pupil Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815-81), Dean of Westminster. Interspersed with biographical commentary by Stanley, the letters in Volume 2 illustrate Arnold’s theological position through his correspondence with various church figures. Other letters further reveal his views on education, politics and public affairs, and document his year at Oxford. Included at the end of the volume is a supplement from 1847 which provides additional material that was unavailable at the time of the first edition.