John Henry Newman wrote Apologia Pro Vita Sua as a defense for his religious beliefs after being criticised by Charles Kingsley for leaving the Church of England for the Roman Catholic church. This spiritual autobiography is divided into five parts, starting with Newman's commitment to religion at age fifteen and moving into how his faith in the Church of England slowly deteriorated. Newman questions himself and his commitment at every stage of his life, but never stops searching for enlightenment.

John Henry Newman is the fifth saint of the City of London, behind Thomas Becket (born in Cheapside), Thomas More (born on Milk Street), Edmund Campion (son of a London book seller) and Polydore Plasden (of Fleet Street). Apologia Pro Vita Sua was a spiritual autobiographical defence to Kingsley's attacks against his truthfulness and honour. The controversy surrounding Newman made Apologia Pro Vita Sua a bestseller.

This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.