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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book by De Rosa is much more than a history of the Papacy, although a large part of the book covers that. There are also major sections on many topics, including the development of the doctrine of papal infallibility, celibacy, abortion, divorce and birth control.
This book is clearly the result of years of research and reflection. It is crammed full of historical facts, and in the sections on subjects such as abortion and divorce it thoroughly presents arguments from both sides with clarity and sympathy, as well as explaining the teaching and actions of the Roman Catholic church on these subjects throughout its history.
The section in chapter 17 on the development of Christian doctrine by St Augustine of Hippo is extremely enlightening. The last pope dealt with is John Paul II, though Cardinal Ratzinger (as he then was) does merit several mentions. There is an excellent résumé of the work of the Inquisition.
De Rosa's book is fascinating, at times unputdownable and occasionally lightened by mild humour. It includes an index and a bibliography, but I would have also welcomed precise references to sources when the author makes use of quotations. (The author explains on p. 458 why he has not done this.)
I disagree with the author's interpretation of Scripture in some places and of who Jesus Christ was (e.g., on p. 265), but one should not only read that which one expects to agree with. This is far outweighed by the value of the overwhelming mass of factual information that is presented in this book and that is hard to find in one place elsewhere.
At points I felt that the book could have been improved by a small amount of editing, to eliminate repetition and thus shorten the book slightly. Those seeking a shorter history of the papacy are recommended to consider "The Conclave", by Michael Walsh, who, as the title indicates, concentrates on papal elections. This aspect of the papacy is not covered in detail by De Rosa's book, so the two books complement each other to some extent.
I would encourage every Catholic to view this book as essential reading, to acquire a rounded picture of the history of the church in general and the papacy in particular.
This book is clearly the result of years of research and reflection. It is crammed full of historical facts, and in the sections on subjects such as abortion and divorce it thoroughly presents arguments from both sides with clarity and sympathy, as well as explaining the teaching and actions of the Roman Catholic church on these subjects throughout its history.
The section in chapter 17 on the development of Christian doctrine by St Augustine of Hippo is extremely enlightening. The last pope dealt with is John Paul II, though Cardinal Ratzinger (as he then was) does merit several mentions. There is an excellent résumé of the work of the Inquisition.
De Rosa's book is fascinating, at times unputdownable and occasionally lightened by mild humour. It includes an index and a bibliography, but I would have also welcomed precise references to sources when the author makes use of quotations. (The author explains on p. 458 why he has not done this.)
I disagree with the author's interpretation of Scripture in some places and of who Jesus Christ was (e.g., on p. 265), but one should not only read that which one expects to agree with. This is far outweighed by the value of the overwhelming mass of factual information that is presented in this book and that is hard to find in one place elsewhere.
At points I felt that the book could have been improved by a small amount of editing, to eliminate repetition and thus shorten the book slightly. Those seeking a shorter history of the papacy are recommended to consider "The Conclave", by Michael Walsh, who, as the title indicates, concentrates on papal elections. This aspect of the papacy is not covered in detail by De Rosa's book, so the two books complement each other to some extent.
I would encourage every Catholic to view this book as essential reading, to acquire a rounded picture of the history of the church in general and the papacy in particular.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Upon its publication in the 80's this book sounded the death knoll for my belief in organised religion. Written in a casual, yet authoritative style, the book delves into aspects of the papacy rarely, if ever, discussed in public. At times humourous, at other times deeply disturbing, the book reveals how power corrupts not only the man but the doctrine he adheres to. The only fault with De Rosa's exposition of the papacy is his tendency to moralise, thereby diminishing the academic value of his work. Overall, however, the book is an excellent read and I highly recommend it to the general reader.
30 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I can't remember when I've laughed so much! This book reads like a Stephen King thriller. I used to think that the Borgias represented a low point in the papacy, but they don't come close to the depravity under Sergius III, John XI, John XII and the ambitious Marozia, the time around 904 to 963 AD. Much fun was also had during the great schism and al through the renaissance. It is truly a tale of scandal, intrigue and crime and makes compulsive reading. Contains a useful Chronology, List of Popes with dates, Councils of the church, a very good bibliography (of documents and books) and index. This book contains enough material for more than one TV mini-series.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A most important book
Whilst there have been more scholarly works no doubt than this book on this subject the intent I think is to broaden the general public awareness of the history of the Catholic... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Mr. Dc Fowler
Much better than expected
I was expecting this book to be a great deal drier than it was. It is fast moving, interesting and even amusing at times. Read more
Published on 9 Nov 2009 by Mrs. K. Swift
Engrossing read (even for believers)
The facts are well known but rarely presented in such a readable form. It is an extraodinary tale of mischief and mayhem supposedly in the name of God. Read more
Published on 6 April 2008 by D. K. Faulds
Gripping, potentially infuriating, highly entertaining
De Rosa catalogues the ups and downs of papal leadership through the centuries - focusing particularly on the downs. Read more
Published on 10 Feb 2008 by Brian Griffith
Incredible good book
This is the history of the papacy from its very beginning. All the dark shaddows people tend to, want to forget. Read more
Published on 15 Jan 2008 by B. Kjosnes
Not a straightforward history of the popes
This is a good book, but potential purchasers should be aware of what this book is not. It is not a chronological history of the popes, but rather a thematically organisaed... Read more
Published on 15 Aug 2007 by A book and music lover
absolute book heaven
this great book reads like a jackie collins. filled to the rafters with sex, murder, greed, envy, nepotism and sins. Read more
Published on 31 July 2007 by Hambletta-Maud
A wonderfully entertaining read
This is one of the most interesting historical books I've ever read, a papal history full of murder, "romance", war and treachery. From start to finish it is engaging. Read more
Published on 21 Aug 2000
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