A Pilgrim's Further Progress: Europe And America In The Thought Of Orestes A. Brownson, 1840s-1870s

The four major studies of Orestes Brownson to date have largely been biographical presentations which concentrate on the nature of Brownson's religious experiences from his youth to his conversion to Catholicism in 1844. The scope of his thought as a Catholic convert has not been sufficiently studied. Heretofore, studies of the convert Brownson have mainly been devoted to his theology and his personal life . . . The journalist Brownson had been noted for his incisive comments on many aspects of American life; yet, little attention had been given to his extensive commentary on events in Europe. Consequently, the writer of this paper attempted to investigate this area of his thought and to find its significance in the totality of Brownson's intellectual pursuits.