Cosmo Lang: Archbishop in War and Crisis

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The period 1928-1942 saw some of the greatest political and social upheavals in modern British history. Lang, as Archbishop of Canterbury, led the Church of England through this tumultuous period and was a pivotal influence in political and religious decision-making. In this book, Robert Beaken provides a new perspective on Lang, including his considerable relationship with the royal family. Beaken also shows how Lang proved to be a sensitive leader during wartime, opposing any demonisation of the enemy and showing compassion to conscientious objectors. Despite his central role at a time of flux, there has been little written on Lang since the original biography published in 1949, and history has not been kind to this intellectually gifted but emotionally complex man. Although Lang has often been seen as a fairly unsuccessful archbishop who was resistant to change, Beaken shows that he was, in fact, an effective leader of the Anglican community at a time when the Church of England was internally divided over issues surrounding the Revised Prayer Book and its position in an ever-changing world. Lang's reputation is therefore ripe for reassessment. Drawing on previously unseen material and first-hand interviews, Beaken tells the story of a fascinating and complex man, who was, he argues, Britain's first 'modern' Archbishop of Canterbury.

Reviews

'Robert Beaken has undertaken an immense labour of research and has produced a completely fresh picture of Archbishop Lang.' - Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, from the Foreword to this book 'Robert Beaken has uncovered a real historical scoop: Archbishop Lang's precise, and decisive, role in the abdication of Edward VIII is now stripped bare. But this is only one dramatic feature of a highly readable biography which casts new light on Lang and enriches our knowledge of his times.' - A.N. Wilson 'I am immensely enthusiastic about Robert Beaken's 'Cosmo Lang'... not just because it combines judgement and pace in telling the story of the Abdication, but because it establishes a vivid and convincing picture of the man at the helm of the Church of England from 1928 to 1942... The new Archbishop of Canterbury, if he has not read this book already, should not delay in doing so.' -Christopher Howse, The Telegraph 'Highly informative.' -Bernard Palmer, Church Times '"Cosmo Lang" is a major work of historical scholarship. It effects a profound revision in our understanding of a critical figure in the ecclesiastical life of early twentieth-century England. It also makes a significant contribution to the political and social history of pre-war Britain more generally. It is beautifully written. And it is a compelling read.' -S.J.D. Green, Standpoint

Author Bio

Robert Beaken is an Anglican priest and historian. His previous books include Faithful Witness: The Confidential Diaries of Alan Don, Chaplain to the King, the Archbishop and the Speaker, 1931-1946 (2020), Following Christ (2020), The Church of England and the Home Front, 1914-1918 (2015), and Beginning to Preach (2004). He holds a PhD from King's College London and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.