Scan barcode
A review by styxx
Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich
3.0
This book traces the history of the Papacy from St Peter through to shortly into the reign of Pope Benedict XVI (and thus does not mention his resignation and the election of Pope Francis). With such a vast time period to deal with, it is perhaps not surprising that some popes receive more attention than others; the author has inevitably had to be a little selective or the book would have been even bigger than it is (and the paperback is over 500 pages long now). However, since a number of popes only reigned briefly, this is not a particular issue and the major points appear to be covered.
It is interesting to see the story of Europe being told from the point of view of the Papacy; often we see stories with particular monarchs or countries as the focus and popes making cameo appearances, this book reverses that trend with the monarchs making the cameo appearances where relevant. This reversal puts a different perspective on events.
It isn't necessary to be Catholic or even particularly religious to appreciate this history. The story of the popes is, first and foremost, a history of a temporal institution as much as a religious one. The majority of those who have worn the triple crown have been less than pious. Norwich does not gloss over the political infighting, the scandals and the battles with which their history is littered.
It is interesting to see the story of Europe being told from the point of view of the Papacy; often we see stories with particular monarchs or countries as the focus and popes making cameo appearances, this book reverses that trend with the monarchs making the cameo appearances where relevant. This reversal puts a different perspective on events.
It isn't necessary to be Catholic or even particularly religious to appreciate this history. The story of the popes is, first and foremost, a history of a temporal institution as much as a religious one. The majority of those who have worn the triple crown have been less than pious. Norwich does not gloss over the political infighting, the scandals and the battles with which their history is littered.