Reviews (15)

Written for a 12 Year-Old
What a disappointment!It is only lacking cartoon illustrations to make it seem competely childish.But more disturbingly it is deceptively simplistic.Told through rose-colored glasses, leaving out what is convenient to ensure a "happy" ending.
Absorbing history that reads like a soap opera
As a lifelong and very active Catholic I was shocked to learn just how little I knew about the history of St. Peters in Rome.
A Mixed Bag
I've been waiting for a popular history dealing with the Renaissance, Reformation, Catholic Reformation, etc. And at first glance this book is it. It's an easy and absorbing read, and endlessly fascinating.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano    4. Buildings, structures, etc    5. Christianity - History - Catholic    6. History    7. History - General    8. History - General History    9. Religious Buildings    10. Religious Buildings Architecture    11. Renaissance    12. Vatican City    13. History / Europe / General    14. Italy   

Editorial Review

The restoration of Michelangelo's magnificent frescoes in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel stirred up much controversy and debate among scholars, art historians, and art lovers alike. Originally painted in the late 15th century, it took restorers 14 painstaking years (from 1981 to 1995) to remove the centuries' worth of dust and decay that had obscured the frescoes' brilliant colors and intricate designs. In 250 gorgeous full-color photographs, this unique and beautiful volume presents Michelangelo's restored chapel--perhaps the greatest masterpiece of Renaissance art--in its entirety, from the Creation to the Last Judgment, both before and after cleaning. The only definitive study of the restoration process, this book is the next best thing to actually being there. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A treasure!
Being an admirer of the magnificent Michelangelo I am very pleased to have acquired this book. The pictures are beautifully printed. By the end of the book I wish to revisit the Sistine Chapel to view those parts printed in the book which I have obviously missed with my naked eyes. The details of the restoration work is an added bonus. To get the most of this book, please read it together with "Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling" by Ross King. You will not regret the experience. Michelangelo's frescoes are simply sublime!

Stunning artistry, breathtaking color...
The photographs in this book are too good to be believed. I have never had an art book on the Sistine Chapel before that so moved me. Excellent Reproductions and very good text -- Truly Majestic
This is an absolutely superb book, largely because the reproductions of the frescoes are excellent and really capture the colors that you see when you visit the Chapel. I have found many art books disappointing, because they simply fail to capture the works they present.I first saw this book in an American bookstore after visiting the Sistine Chapel, and really thrilled to see if after looking at several other books where colors were much duller and the images simply not as sharp.In addition to its fine colors, the book provides many fine closeups of each individual section.The text is also very good, describing the subjects of the painting, the history behind the paintings, ansd also the recent restorstion.This is a must-have book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1475-1564    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Criticism    5. Criticism and interpretation    6. History - General    7. Individual Artist    8. Individual Painters - Renaissance    9. Michelangelo Buonarroti,    10. Mural painting and decoration,    11. Mural painting and decoration, Italian    12. Mural painting and decoration, Renaissance    13. Preservation And Restoration Of Art    14. Vatican City    15. Individual artists    16. Painting & paintings    17. Religious buildings    18. Religious subjects depicted in art    19. Renaissance art    20. Vatican   

Editorial Review

Almost 500 years after Michelangelo Buonarroti frescoed the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the site still attracts throngs of visitors and is considered one of the artistic masterpieces of the world. Read more

Reviews (76)

Could have been better
This is a good introduction to this chapter in Renaissance art for those who know little about the subject. The book is entertaining and well-written. But I can't help thinking that Ross King tackles too big a subject in taking on the artist, and also the Pope and the chapel.
Top Notch Biography
Fantastic "eye witness" account of art history.King does such a wonderful job of creating the atmosphere around an event. There is always so much more in the back ground of art than the final piece alone.His obsession with details brings this chapter in Michealangelo's life into fine focus. I certainly love that he dispells myths and inaccuracies throughout.Of course the Sistine Chapel's art in itself is awe inspiring - but in the context of King's book - there are just more layers of depth and details that make it more impressive.

good story, reasonably well-told
King picks a fascinating story about the Sistine Chapel and strips away all of the mythology surrounding it, including just about everything you remember from the Agony and the Ecstasy.Going on a "just the facts" approach, he errors on the side of being a little too dry.That said, if you're interested in knowing the story behind the painting, this is an excellent place to start. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. European    4. History - Renaissance    5. History Of Fine Arts    6. Mural painting and decoration    7. Mural painting and decoration, Italian    8. Mural painting and decoration, Renaissance    9. Painting    10. Subjects & Themes - Religious    11. Vatican City    12. Art / History / Renaissance   

Reviews (3)

Bad book
This book is like reading a history of World War II written by Mussolini.In other words, there is some accurate information, and the facts in and of themselves are usually correct.However, the bias is terrible.The title of the book is misleading, as it makes the book seem to be an unbiased historical account of the Church in the 20th century.It is, rather, one man's opinion of the Church's actions and its motives behind them, and furthermore (and this is the worst part) what the Church ought to do in the future.If you want to read an editorial with bad logic, this book is for you.

Could Have Been Better...
The book is useful only because of its historical references.I think, however, that the author goes too far in assuming the intentions of the Second Vatican Council.His interpretations are clearly biased, often presented in vague statements that border on pluralism and indifferentism.If you are looking for an objective account of the Catholic Church, try another source.

Fair and comprehensive, but with some bias
This is a fair and comprehensive overview of the Catholic Church (mainly the US) in terms of it's institutional, spiritual,theological, ecumenical,social and philosophical life throughout the twentieh century.It does have one noticable drawback however. In chapter nine, McCarthy makes a analysis of liberation theology but doesn't really point out its faults and shortcommings,he simply brushes aside whatever criticisms there may be.In fact he doesn't even mention Fr. Andrew Greeley's criticism of liberation theology.I would have to say his analysis of liberation theology is a bit one-sided. The postscript at the end of the book borders on naivete. Aside from that he does present a fair analysis of the Church. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (2nd :    2. 1962-1965)    3. 20th century    4. Catholic Church    5. Christianity - Catholicism    6. Christianity - History - Catholic    7. History    8. Institutions & Organizations    9. Modernism (Christian theology)    10. Religion    11. Religion - Classic Works    12. Roman Catholic Church    13. Vatican Council    14. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Subjects:  1. (2nd :    2. 1962-1965)    3. Christianity - Catholicism    4. Christianity - History - General    5. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    6. Christianity - Theology - Ecclesiology    7. Christianity - Theology - History    8. Church History    9. Religion    10. Religion - Classic Works    11. Roman Catholic Church    12. Vatican Council    13. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church    14. Vatican   

Reviews (10)

Good pictures but ruined by the excessive glue
Like most of National Geographic publications, this book has the flaw of excessive glue used in binding resulting in the center of two pages being glued together. It can not be spread apart without ruining the pictures.
Skimpy on the ART
If you can get this book used for under $10 dollars Wonderful--Makes me Proud
I was proud to be a Catholic anyway, but gee the wonderful stories, history and people behind this book makes it a must own for Catholics! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Christianity - History - Catholic    3. Description And Travel    4. Photo Techniques    5. Photography    6. Photojournalism    7. Pictorial works    8. Religion - Classic Works    9. Religion - Roman Catholic    10. Roman Catholic Church    11. Vatican City    12. Italy    13. Photographs: collections    14. Places & peoples: general interest    15. Religion / Catholicism   

Features

• Bargain Price

Reviews (2)

Beautiful...BUT
Rizzoli, and the Vatican, have produced a beautiful volume; the colour reproduction, binding, and printing are first rate BUT it seems that no-one bothered to read the text before the book was printed. In a not very careful reading of the text I found a number of glaring errors that cast very serious doubt on the reliability of any information contained in this book. Thus, I cannot give this book more than 2 stars. Cost $250 to buy the back wall of the Sistine chapel
Yeah, maybe someone(nearly everynoe) will think this is an SO Expensive art book. But at first, there are so many details of the original work in this book, and more detail than you standing at the wall of the Sistine Chapel, even if you travel to Vatican, you can't see as clearly as see the pictures on the book; you can see the face of Ave Maria, the hand of Jesus, you will NOT see them with human-to-god view, but equal view. Second, print quality is nearly PERFECT. Third, the book had two volumes, one was filled with colourful illustrations, and the other is a bonus--the study of "the Last Judgement". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1475-1564    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Conservation and restoration    5. Criticism    6. European    7. History - General    8. Individual Painters - Renaissance    9. Last Judgment    10. Michelangelo Buonarroti,    11. Mural painting and decoration,    12. Mural painting and decoration, Italian    13. Mural painting and decoration, Renaissance    14. Subjects & Themes - Religious    15. Vatican City    16. Art / Individual Artist    17. Art / Religious    18. Michelangelo Buonarroti    19. Bargain   

Reviews (4)

THEY LOOK MEDIEVAL BUT BETTER NOT MESS WITH THEM
Yes the Swiss Guard around the Pope seem rather medieval in their uniforms, but their history and their training is far from uninteresting.This short but fascinating book gives the highlights of their foundation, their history and their present place in the life of the most influential religious leader in the world.Well worth reading and well worth gaining respect for an elite group of young men.

Could have been better
How I wish I could write a positive review of this book. Unfortuately, I cannot. This book starts out great and then becomes so bogged down with names, battles, and other details that it loses sight of its topic--the Papal Swiss Guard. There are no pictures, maps, timelines or other visual aids that would help the struggling reader, other than a small color spread of photos in the center of the book. I enjoy reading non-fiction books and I love studying the history of the Catholic Church, but this is the kind of book that causes people to hate reading history. Dry, boring with no sense of narrative. It was a struggle to get through it and I only did because I am very interested in the subject. The only section worth reading was the period about the Vatican during World War II. Maybe one of these days a writer will write a book about the Swiss Guard that is enjoyable as well as informative. This one "ain't it."

Excellent history of a colourful and very special bodyguard
This book is a small treasure for anyone who wants to have a glimpse into the long history of the Papal Swiss Guard. This bodyguard of mercenaries was created in 1506 and 19 years later suffered its greatest challenge, when it defended the Pope against the imperial troops of Charles V and lost 147 of its 189 members. The dreadfull sack of Rome was not enough though for the Papal Swiss Guard to eclipse from history and a few years later it was again on duty. Robert Royal presents this long journey through time in an eloquent way, embellishing it with many little known episodes and painting unforgettable portraits of the various commanders of that small but dedicated mercenary group (it has traditionally the status of a regiment despite its company size). Also useful, is the description of the present day Swiss Guard, the criteria for anyone wishing to become a member and the many changes that modern times have bring to its training, armament and duties. The book includes a section of 12 color photographs. Highly recommended to anyone interested in this colourful subject! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Christianity - History - Catholic    3. Europe - Italy    4. Guardia svizzera pontificia    5. History    6. History - Military / War    7. Italy - History    8. Military - General    9. Religion    10. Roman Catholic Church    11. Vatican City.    12. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    13. Modern period, c 1500 onwards    14. Religion / General    15. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church    16. Vatican   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Christianity - History - Catholic    3. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    4. Religion    5. Religion - Classic Works    6. Roman Catholic Doctrinal Theology (General)    7. Christian theology    8. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church    9. Vatican   

Reviews (1)

The Treasure of Solesmes
"The Restoration of Gregorian Chant" is a multicultural icon, an illuminare moving us through a hall of ecclesiastical mirrors with distant echoes of the Spirit in sound, a labyrinthian caravan of chant development, restoration, and documentation; a historical exploration laden with intrigues, opinions, Episcopal approvals, memorandums, circulars, Congresses, verbatims, Vatican Commissions, copyrights, and Pontifical documents.Dom Combe's compelling sense of purpose, is an incredible window of reason and energy, an oeuvre that clearly resonates the immortal Gregorian Chant, reconnecting us with the pioneering efforts of the House of Solesmes and the power of the Divine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - Catholic    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Gregorian chants    4. History and criticism    5. Music    6. Religion - Classic Works    7. Religious - General    8. History of specific subjects    9. Sacred & religious music   

Reviews (3)

Incisive critique, but where are the thomists?
Tracey Rowland has written an excellent critique of the classical liberal assumptions that still dominate thought in much of the West. She is especially effective in dispelling the ideology of "human rights" by comparison to the classically conceived theory of right. However, there is much in this book that is baffling to me.
A Crititcal Re-Aprraisal of Vatican II
To live in the aftermath of an Ecumenical Council appears never to have been easy. In our own age, we who have grown up in the shadow of Vatican II need to remember this. We probably suffer from having been told "Vatican II changed all that" in respect of all aspects of Church life, and we may well have looked on whilst those who questioned such `changes' were consigned to perdition. Basis of the Church's pastoral problems since Vatican II
This book has been reviewed by the emminent Fr Peter Joseph STD in AD2000 Vol 16 No 5 (June 2003), p. 17: "Dr Rowland argues that the anti-beauty orientation of mass culture acts as a barrier to the reception of the theological virtue of hope, and ultimately fosters despair and atheism."Read more

Subjects:  1. 1225?-1274    2. Aquinas, Saint,    3. Catholic Church    4. Christianity - Theology - General    5. Christianity - Theology - History    6. Christianity and culture    7. Doctrines    8. General    9. History    10. Religion    11. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    12. Thomas,    13. Christian doctrinal theology    14. Ecclesiology & Church government    15. Religion / Theology    16. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Reviews (3)

Not an accurate representation
My issue with this book was that it really wasn't about Vatican II as a whole - it was about the parts of Vatican II that support Sr. Maureen's opinions.The "conservatives" were painted as villains in the council, while the "progressives" were shown in a bright, beautiful light of openness.
the Devil's book
the author is clearly very highly opinionated and it is all about her personal opinions, nothing to do with vatican II. she is obviously a leftist feminist who doesn't like the Pope. Book for Curious Young Adults and for Reflective Old Timers
Sr. Maureen Sullivan, OP, has provided a very helpful aid for Catholic young adults who are attending courses in Catholic theology or participating in discussion groups. For people in this age grouping the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) is merely foggy history. However, it remains a pivotal event for understanding contemporary theological methods, biblical studies, liturgical renewal, spiritual self-understanding, approaches to ethical issues, as well as an overall sense of Catholic sensibilities. The information and insights that the author provides in "101 Questions about Vatican II" should provide the younger reader with a foundation for a better grasp of the issues still being explored and debated. Read more

Subjects:  1. (2nd :    2. 1962-1965)    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Christianity - Theology - Ecclesiology    5. Christianity - Theology - General    6. Religion    7. Religion - Church History    8. Vatican Council    9. Ecclesiology & Church government    10. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Reviews (11)

Paul Williams (the author) is a "Church historian", not a Catholic-basher
Please ignore review which heaps emotive bashing on the author, Dr. Paul Williams, as if Williams was some kind of "Catholic basher" (he is actually a dedicated Roman Catholic apologist).FYI, the back cover of another book he wrote, called "The Complete Idiots' Guide to the Lives of the Saints" (2001), describes Williams as having "served as professor of Catholic theology and patristics at the University of Scranton [which proudly identifies itself as "a Jesuit university"]" and as "senior editor of Northeast Books, the publishing arm of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars".(Hardly the credentials one would expect from a genuine "Catholic basher"!)If anything, Dr. Williams strives to pin the blame for various historic Vatican scandals on a cardinal, the Mafia, or other convenient scapegoats, etc., as a PR effort to minimize "damage control" to the Vatican's reputation for scandals in WWII history, etc.

a great book
In its expose of Vatican intrique, particularly as it pertains to pre-World War II, this book is exceeded only by Lucien Gregoire's "Murder in the Vatican."Both books are very much history books and both are written to the maker's mark.

Great history book
Growing up in America, one of my favorite topics in school was history, be it American, Western, or world history.Never in all those classes did I come across anything like the tales told in this book.The author is a historian of Christianity, and in this book he gives an inside history of the Vatican, with an emphasis on the 20th century.Specifically, he tells the facts that the Vatican would not like people to know.The major events covered in this book are:
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Christianity - History - Catholic    3. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    4. Controversial Knowledge    5. History    6. History: World    7. Papacy    8. Religion    9. Religion - Classic Works    10. Roman Catholic Church    11. Vatican City    12. Italy    13. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church    14. True crime   

Reviews (2)

An important reference book for Catholics
This is an easy to understand translation of the documents of the Second Vatican Council.Flannary's translation is quite good compared with other translations of the documents.These documents are a good place to startif someone is trying to understand what the Catholic Church is about andwhat its proper role in the world is.

Every Catholic should read this for himself!
Vatican II has gotten a bad rap. "The spirit of Vatican II" hasbeen used as an excuse for liturgical abuses, offenses against canon law,etc. Yet Vatican II is being misquoted, misinterpreted! Every faithfulCatholic owes it to himself to know, first hand, what the council REALLYbrought forth. This book will inspire you, impress you, and teach you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Christianity - History - Catholic    3. Religion    4. Religion - Classic Works   

Reviews (15)

A helpful and insightful guide to the thought of the Vatican!
John Allen has done a spectacular job!This is wonderful introduction into the practice and thought of the Roman Curia and the structure of the Holy See.While it is not exhaustive, with consideration of the fact that no presentation of the complex system that is the Vatican can be, it is probably one of the best windows into that world out there.Allen's presentation is intelligent, thorough and considerate.Always respectful of the institution with its tradition and solemnity, Allen helps to elucidate that which has been so misunderstood for so long.
Not a thrill ride.
This book was a bit antiseptic. The author tells the story in a seeminingly factual way but without any real dramatic impact. If you're interested in a report without scandal or drama, then this is for you. It is my suspicion, however, that this story would have required an allowance of scandal and factual drama to make it truly accurate!

Objective View?Don't Believe It
The author presents himself as a benign observer of the Vatican, claiming not to be an apoligist for it.Don't believe it.While his tone is measured and far from strident, he clearly views the Vatican and the Roman Catholic Church as the sine qua non of Christianity.For him, the pope is the premier Christian leader who is ultimately responsible for all of Christendom worldwide.Pat Robertson, among others, might disagree.
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Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Catholic Church.    3. Christianity - Catholicism    4. Curia Romana    5. History - General History    6. Leadership    7. Roman Catholic Church    8. Vatican City    9. World - General    10. Religion / Catholicism   

Reviews (9)

The Greek Buddha
Epicurus lived in the Athens of Plato.He attracted a host of followers to his preferred teaching place, a garden.There he taught them the ultimately anti-Platonic truths: this life is the only one, it is good, and the best way to live it is by maximizing stable pleasures. To Epicurus
The first to bring grain to uneasy mortals The antidote to human stupidity and greed.
This book does not rely on a god or a saviour to lead a smart and fulfilling life.It relies soley on reason and what an effective use of it by epicurus!Most of epicurus works are either lost or destroyed, but this book contains his essential teachings.Epicurus did not deny the existance of the gods.This would make sense.If the universe is infinite as he says, then all possible things already exist in one way or another.According to epicurus one should live out his natural life, this would be prudent.This life is the only one you get.He writes that by being prudent ie; looking at both sides of an issue to find truth and getting only what you need, you can live a smart and happy life. After life is over one goes to eternal oblivion, free of all suffering forever.The ironic thing about epicurus is that he admits there are gods.If one reads what he writes carefully, one finds that one doesnt need to go to heaven or even to exist. Since it is not needed, one loses nothing.The same thing can be said for the wild goose chase, most people are engaged in for happiness.They want bigger houses, more expensive cars, more cash, etc. and instead of gaining happiness gain more misery.Why?Because the truth is you gain happiness by getting only what you need.Epicurus writes that those who are not satisfied with a little, will never be satisfied even with a lot or even infinity.The more you have above need, the more worry, headache and problems.This in no way is conducive to happiness.These writings are some of the most brilliant in the entire realm of philosophy.This book gets two thumbs up! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient Philosophy    2. General    3. History & Surveys - Ancient & Classical    4. Philosophy    5. Ancient Western philosophy to c 500   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - Catholic    2. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    3. Christianity - Theology - Ecclesiology    4. Europe - Italy    5. History    6. History: World    7. Religion - Classic Works    8. History of specific subjects    9. Vatican   

Editorial Review

When in Rome, do as Pope Gregory XIII did, and steepyourself in the early history of Italy through a series of 40intricate, charming maps designed by Egnazio Danti in 1580 forthe Vatican Palace. According to Lucio Gambi, the author of thisdefinitive text, Danti "was assisted by a throng of painters andstuccoworkers" in completing the work. The maps, which line amammoth 20-by-400-foot hallway, are more like bird's-eye views,with sailing ships, soldiers' tents, medieval battlements, andcypress trees dotting the hillsides. An anonymous poet,celebrating the gallery's opening, wrote, "Each region is placedunder its ruling planet and occupies an entire panel which showsthe cities, castles, and villages with their streets and houseshuddled together. Neither are the rivers forgotten, nor thesprings, steep valleys and gentle hills, the green shade of thewoods, the windswept shores, and the green expanses of sea thattruly seem to move...." Danti, a Dominican monk, cosmographer,and mathematician, moved from Bologna to Rome to prepare thecartoons for the 40 maps, which show not only Italian cities andprovinces, but also historic battles and sieges. This bookdocuments the gallery as a whole but also includes scores ofdetails. With their white-capped waves, meandering streams,sailing ships, and limpid sunrises, the plates inspire hours ofperusal. While the essay is too dense for children, the pictureswould be fascinating to anyone with a taste for fortresses andships at sea, whatever his or her age. Read more

Reviews (2)

An Amazing Renaissance View of Italy
Although this book does not have detailed views of every map in the Gallery of Maps, it gives the reader the opportunity to study the 40 frescoes in a way not possible when visiting the Vatican.(Most tour groups are rushed through the hall on the way to the Sistene Chapel.)The color plates are true to the vibrant originals and the essays accompanying each map help the reader to understand the iconography.Anyone who loves cartography or European history, will want this book on their shelf.

Renaissance building houses beautiful maps of Italy
In 1580 Pope Gregory XIII commissioned this gallery with 42 large panels that represent Italy. Maps on the right side show the Adriatic side of the peninsula; those on the left side show the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian coasts.The quality of the paper and reproductions is excellent. Each map isdiscussed, and close-ups show the art and craft of the cartographers andartists. The author claims that this is the largest cycle of geographicimages in Europe. This is a book to linger with; no matter yournationality, it may make you homesick. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 16th century    2. Art    3. Atlases - General    4. Cartography    5. Decoration and ornament, Architectural    6. Europe - Italy    7. Historical Atlases    8. History    9. Italy    10. Mural painting and decoration    11. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    12. Reference    13. Travel - Foreign    14. Vatican City   

Subjects:  1. (2nd :    2. 1962-1965)    3. 20th century    4. Catholic Church    5. Christianity - Theology - Ecclesiology    6. Church    7. Doctrines    8. History    9. Religion    10. Religion - Theology    11. Vatican Council    12. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (1)