The Life and Correspondence of Thomas Arnold, D. D.; Third Edition

London: B. Fellowes..., 1844. 2 volumes. 8vo, 214 x 135 mms., pp. [v] vi - xxiii [xxiv blank], 322; [v] vi - xvi, 447 [448 blank], including half-title in each volume, engraved portrait of Arnold as frontispiece in volume 1, contemporary polished calf, spine ornately gilt in compartments, black leather labels; slight cracking of front joint of volume 1,abrasion on front cover of volume 2, but a good set with the small book ticket of Edward John Kenney on the recto of the front free end-paper of each volume , and with ms. notes in his hand on end-papers. The headmaster and historian, Thomas Arnold (1795 - 1842) went to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge in 1811 and formed a private school with his brother-in-law John Buckland; later he became famous as the headmaster of Rugby School until his death in 1842. His reputation lived long after him, and he was still being spoken in hushed tones in the latter part of the last century, and the entry in ODNB provides a similar endorsement: "Equally, these reappraisals established Arnold's lasting educational achievements. He established the principle of headmagisterial independence, restored confidence in the public school system generally, and confirmed Rugby's position as one of the leading schools. His ideas were spread by his pupils and assistants, and he was undoubtedly a source of inspiration to others in the field of education. The enduring verdict of posterity confirms the magnitude of his personality, vision, intellectual ability, and Christian idealism."