Marvin R. O'Connell (1930–2016)

4724. The Oxford Conspirators A History of the Oxford Movement 1833-45, by Marvin R. O'Connell (read 4 Jul 2010) This book tells very well the story of the Oxford Movement, altho I could not get really interested in the first two parts of the three part account. But the third part, entitled "The Parting of Friends 1839-45" is entrancing reading, even though one knows the story well. I read the 2-volume biography of Newman by Meriol Trevor in the summer of 1963 and found I remembered it well. The denouement is a source of tremendous satisfaction to Catholics and I am glad that Newman is to be beatified in England when the Pope goes there in September 2010.… (more)

1275. The Counter-Reformation 1559-1810, by Marvin R. O'Connell (25 May 1974) This is an excellent book, but the period seems so familiar. Most of what is in the book I knew or at least once knew. I concluded that though reading a survey of this time was extremely interesting but was not worthwhile because I learned little new. I noted the author strongly recommended one read The Cardinal of Lorraine and the Council of Trent, by H. Outram Evennett, published in 1930. Here, 30 years later I still have not done so. My post-reading notes are full of books noted to be read in the future but many have not (yet) been. How can one read good books of the past when they keep putting out good new books?… (more)