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A compelling biography of the first Scottish Archbishop of Canterbury, whose political accomplishments shaped the Church in the late nineteenth century.
In this, the first biography of Archibald Campbell Tait since his son-in-law, Randall Davidson’s in 1891, John Witheridge tells the story of how a Scottish outsider became Queen Victoria’s favourite Archbishop of Canterbury, and the most powerful since Laud in the seventeenth century. Following his childhood in Edinburgh and education at Glasgow University and Balliol College, Oxford, Witheridge describes how Tait’s life was shaped by faith, duty and diligence, as well as by harrowing experiences of illness and death.
Tait was never content to be an ecclesiastical dignitary, but was ready to intervene and give a lead in the many conflicts, theological and political, that defined his fourteen years at Lambeth. While not always successful, Tait’s leadership of the Church during a period of controversy at home and challenge overseas, bravely accomplished against a background of personal tragedy, makes him a landmark figure in the history of the Church of England.
In this, the first biography of Archibald Campbell Tait since his son-in-law, Randall Davidson’s in 1891, John Witheridge tells the story of how a Scottish outsider became Queen Victoria’s favourite Archbishop of Canterbury, and the most powerful since Laud in the seventeenth century. Following his childhood in Edinburgh and education at Glasgow University and Balliol College, Oxford, Witheridge describes how Tait’s life was shaped by faith, duty and diligence, as well as by harrowing experiences of illness and death.
Tait was never content to be an ecclesiastical dignitary, but was ready to intervene and give a lead in the many conflicts, theological and political, that defined his fourteen years at Lambeth. While not always successful, Tait’s leadership of the Church during a period of controversy at home and challenge overseas, bravely accomplished against a background of personal tragedy, makes him a landmark figure in the history of the Church of England.
Price: $40.95
Pages: 200
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: James Clarke
Publication Date:
24 February 2022
Trim Size: 5.98 X 8.98 in
ISBN: 9780227177440
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
RELIGION / Biblical Studies / New Testament / Jesus, the Gospels & Acts, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, New Testaments
In the Shadow of Death presents a sympathetic portrait of Queen Victoria's favourite archbishop, whose life and career were overshadowed by a series of personal tragedies. Witheridge draws on Tait's prolific correspondence and extensive personal diaries to shed new light on his approach to controversies within the Church (and wider Anglican Communion) and his judicious handling of disputes. The strength of this first modern biography of the archbishop, however, lies in its sensitive depiction of a whole family haunted by bereavement.
— Sarah Foot, Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History, University of Oxford
John Witheridge's biography of Dean Stanley of Westminster is now followed by this brilliant study of Archbishop AC Tait. Both his subjects were liberal-leaning Balliol Men, favoured by the Queen and very influential. However, Tait was the greater, a Scot without aristocratic connections who laboured under immense personal burdens. Witheridge's book is an excellent example of biographical scholarship that is both readable and accurate. Anyone interested in Victorian Christianity, education or politics should read it.
— John Jones, Emeritus Fellow & sometime Fellow-Archivist of Balliol College, Oxford
Recurring poor health; chronic overwork; an extraordinary series of personal tragedies; a sturdy faith - all are reflected in the title of this very accessible biography of Queen Victoria's favourite Archbishop of Canterbury. Witheridge presents a vivid account of this generous, principled courageous cleric grappling with the great ecclesiastical and theological controversies of his day, and gives frequent insights into nineteenth-century social history, not least in Carlisle.
— James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle
If you enjoyed Owen Chadwick's The Victorian Church, you will certainly enjoy In the Shadow of Death, John Witheridge's sympathetic biography of Archibald Campbell Tait (1811-82), Archbishop of Canterbury 1868-82... In the Shadow of Death is a well-researched and highly readable book. John Witheridge has rescued Archbishop Tait's reputation from obscurity. One might not always agree with Tait's views or methods, but In the Shadow of Death reveals him to have been a devout, hard-working and conscientious archbishop.
— Robert Beaken
— Sarah Foot, Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History, University of Oxford
John Witheridge's biography of Dean Stanley of Westminster is now followed by this brilliant study of Archbishop AC Tait. Both his subjects were liberal-leaning Balliol Men, favoured by the Queen and very influential. However, Tait was the greater, a Scot without aristocratic connections who laboured under immense personal burdens. Witheridge's book is an excellent example of biographical scholarship that is both readable and accurate. Anyone interested in Victorian Christianity, education or politics should read it.
— John Jones, Emeritus Fellow & sometime Fellow-Archivist of Balliol College, Oxford
Recurring poor health; chronic overwork; an extraordinary series of personal tragedies; a sturdy faith - all are reflected in the title of this very accessible biography of Queen Victoria's favourite Archbishop of Canterbury. Witheridge presents a vivid account of this generous, principled courageous cleric grappling with the great ecclesiastical and theological controversies of his day, and gives frequent insights into nineteenth-century social history, not least in Carlisle.
— James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle
If you enjoyed Owen Chadwick's The Victorian Church, you will certainly enjoy In the Shadow of Death, John Witheridge's sympathetic biography of Archibald Campbell Tait (1811-82), Archbishop of Canterbury 1868-82... In the Shadow of Death is a well-researched and highly readable book. John Witheridge has rescued Archbishop Tait's reputation from obscurity. One might not always agree with Tait's views or methods, but In the Shadow of Death reveals him to have been a devout, hard-working and conscientious archbishop.
— Robert Beaken
Illustrations
Family Trees
Acknowledgments
Preface
1. Scottish Inheritance
2. A Balliol Man
3. Discreet and Learned Minister
4. Dr Arnold’s Successor
5. In Death’s Dark Vale
6. The Greatest Diocese of the World
7. New Disputes and New Fears
8. Primate of All England
9. Wrangles and Judgments
10. The Shadows Lengthen
Source Notes
Select Bibliography
Index
Family Trees
Acknowledgments
Preface
1. Scottish Inheritance
2. A Balliol Man
3. Discreet and Learned Minister
4. Dr Arnold’s Successor
5. In Death’s Dark Vale
6. The Greatest Diocese of the World
7. New Disputes and New Fears
8. Primate of All England
9. Wrangles and Judgments
10. The Shadows Lengthen
Source Notes
Select Bibliography
Index