"One of the most controversial and colourful bishops of nineteenth-century Catholic England, Baines was ahead of his time in developing modern methods of teaching at Ampleforth and Prior Park; he also attempted to establish the first Catholic university in England since the Reformation." "Bishop Baines succeeded in raising the profile of the Catholic Church, particularly in the west of England. A great correspondent, his letters and archives throw considerable light on the problems he faced, and provide an insight to the times in which he lived."--BOOK JACKET.