A review by aaairm
Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich

2.0

Great as a research source, not as great as an layperson read due to the dry language and the massive breadth of characters over a millennium. It’s especially hard to keep track of all the “numbered” people (eg George III vs IV). Would have been more powerful and relatable if it focused more on the citizens’ perspectives than 100% from the politician’s perspective: I found it particularly hard to understand why Rome kept tossing out the Pope at the very beginning but stayed Catholic...