Advice To A Young Man Upon First Going To Oxford, In Ten Letters, From An Uncle To His Nephew

by Edward Berens

"Advice To A Young Man Upon First Going To Oxford, In Ten Letters, From An Uncle To His Nephew" by Edward Berens. This 1832 Anglican didactic work presents ten letters from a wise uncle to his nephew as he prepares to enter the University of Oxford. Through a paternal voice, the uncle offers practical and moral guidance on character, religion, and conduct, insisting that religious devotion must stand first in daily life. The letters cover themes such as choosing friends with steadfast virtue; maintaining temper in conversation and society; resisting peer pressure and the influence of numbers; making the best use of time; punctuality; prudent amusements; careful handling of expenses and debt; temperance in drinking and eating; and the importance of English reading. Grounded in Scripture and classical exempla, the advice emphasizes humility, self-control, respect for authority, and a lifelong commitment to religious duty. The work is a snapshot of early 19th-century English religious pedagogy aimed at shaping a virtuous, conscientious student and future gentleman.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1832

About the author

1777?-1859

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

very little of the Oxford in the olden days content i crave, but rather a series of improving essays for a young university gentleman of the 1830s.

it's impressively short for a 170pp book, even more so when you notice how many multi-page quotes are included. there are a couple of amusingly Grampa Simpson-esque anecdotes in there.

he's **really** not a fan of Byron.

i certainly feel very improved by the experience.

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of letters from an uncle who had studied at Oxford to his nephew who is embarking on his education there. The letters contain solid advice that young men and women entering university and further studies today will find useful as well. I enjoyed reading it and found the advice timely and helpful even for those of us who have finished our tenure as students some time ago. Consider giving this to a family member headed off to college or reading yourself so that you can pass on advice to that person in personal letters of your own.