It was during the 19th century that many public schools were founded and when most established their reputations. Thomas Arnold, although known in his lifetime as a religious and political controversialist, is best remembered today as the reforming Head Master of Rugby School from 1828-42. This is the first biography to bring to light Arnold's life and achievements at Rugby. Michael McCrum, headmaster of Eton for ten years, former Classics teacher at Rugby, and currently Governor of the School, discusses various accounts of Arnold's achievments that have been both exaggerated and maligned, shows to what degree Arnold deserved his reputation, and provides a fascinating insight into the British public school tradition over the years.