Examines the generally dismissed writings of John Henry Newman (1801-90) before he bailed out of the Anglican Church and became Catholic. Finds a reinterpretation of Romantic transcendence within the framework of a dialogue with God. Shows how the approach allowed him to expand his conception of personal identity, spiritual election, militant purpose, and cultural critique. Also explains how natural and preternatural presences broke into the dialogue so that it had to be contained within an institutional church. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.