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The Popes

A History
3.72 goodreads logo

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( 3,608 ratings, 521 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Popes by Viscount John Julius Norwich offers an engaging journey through the lives of the popes, providing an insightful look at their influence on history and culture. Spanning from Saint Peter to contemporary times, the book examines the papacy's complex role amidst the shifting landscapes of political, religious, and social change. Norwich combines captivating storytelling with historical analysis to illuminate the intricate world of the Vatican.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3000
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in the historical and spiritual significance of the papacy. It offers an engaging exploration of the lives and influence of the popes throughout history, blending detailed research with captivating storytelling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

John Julius Norwich expertly examines the history of the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter to the present

Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints;

An irresistible account of some of history's most illustrious - and iniquitous - figures, from one of our best-loved historians.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An irresistible account of some of history's most illustrious—and iniquitous—figures, from one of our best-loved historians.

John Julius Norwich expertly examines the history of the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter to the present.

Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable immorality. One was said to have been a woman, her sex being revealed only when she improvidently gave birth to a baby during a papal procession. Almost as shocking was Formosus, whose murdered corpse was exhumed, clothed in pontifical vestments, propped up on a throne and subjected to trial.

From the glories of Byzantium to the decay of Rome, from the Albigensian Heresy to controversy within the Church today, The Popes is superbly written, witty, and revealing.

'Charming and learned...The prose is elegant, the witticisms are plentiful, and the volume's enthusiasm is addictive.' Jonathan Wright, BBC History Magazine

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Popes by Viscount John Julius Norwich has received praise for its engaging storytelling, bringing historical figures to life with vivid detail and wit. Critics admire Norwich's ability to capture the complexities of papal history with both insight and humour, making the book both informative and entertaining. Its lively narrative style has made it a highly readable and intriguing exploration of the papacy's storied past.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099565871

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 April 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 33.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 389g

Pages: 528

About the Author

John Julius Norwich is the author of histories of Norman Sicily, the Republic of Venice, the Byzantine Empire and, most recently, The Middle Sea- A History of the Mediterranean. He has also written on architecture, music and the history plays of Shakespeare, and has presented some thirty historical documentaries on BBC Television.

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