Reviews (2)

SENSATIONAL!
This book is very brave...and possibly incendiary. For the first time the murder of Pope John Paul 1 is explored in full length, as are the murder of 8 of his closest advisors, all of whom died in mysterious circumstances. All fingers point to the Vatican itself as the culprit, and the power-hungry conservative Cardinals (like John Paul II and Benedict VI) who plotted the murder of the only Pope who planned to sell Vatican art to feed the poor, had grown up poor himself, wanted to elevate women to the priesthood, bless gay marriages and adoption, and generally lead the Church in the Imitation of Christ. But evil must not prevail...and this story must be told to the world - and especially all Catholics who once hoped their Church served the people, not the priests and Prada-shoe donning Cardinals in their Roman palaces. May this book bring justice at last!

A revelation of what might have been
I read Lucien Gregoire's MURDER IN THE VATICAN in its first edition. It needed a little copyediting, but was nonetheless a fascinating and eye-opening read. Now it's out in a new improved edition. The quibbles about editing and presentation have been resolved. The story of what really happened to the first Pope John Paul is now even more accessible and intriguing.
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Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. Modern - 20th Century    3. World history: from c 1900 -   

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. 20th century    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Capitalism    7. Catholic Church    8. Economic History    9. Finance    10. History    11. Leadership    12. Papacy    13. Religious aspects    14. Business & Economics / Economic History    15. European history: from c 1900 -    16. Italy    17. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Reviews (3)

Outstanding!!!
I bought this book long before the new Pope Benedict in order to understand World War I and perhaps find some additional insight into how it affected my mother who lived in Europe during this time.This book not only does an outstanding represention of a great Pope, but also gives an inside look into the politics of the different countries during the war years.And, it contains some political surprises.I would recommend this book highly to anyone looking for additional information regarding World War I and how many of the countries involved limited the charitable works and role of the Papacy in trying to establish peace during that time period.It is extremle well written and very easy reading.You will certainly treasure this book.

Fine survey of an unjustly forgotten man and his times
Joseph Ratzinger's selection of "Benedict" as his regnal name, and his statement that he chose it at least in part to honor his predecessor Benedict XV, has begun to shine a bit of light once again on this important but largely forgotten leader and statesman. Readers looking for English-language resources on Benedict XV don't have a lot of alternatives. Fortunately, one resource they do have -- this book by John F. Pollard -- is a very good one.
The Greatness of Benedict XV
There has of late been something of a cottage industry for Twentieth Century Vatican history, partially due to increased openness of Catholic archives.Pope Benedict XV is not only the unknown Pope of John Pollard'stitle, but surely the last great figure of World War I to be the subject ofa modern biographer.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Christianity - Catholicism    3. Christianity - History - Catholic    4. Christianity - History - General    5. Historical - General    6. Modern - 20th Century    7. Religion    8. Religious    9. Roman Catholic Church    10. Biography: general    11. First World War, 1914-1918    12. Inter-war period, 1918-1939    13. Peace studies    14. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church    15. Vatican    16. c 1900 - c 1914   

Editorial Review

Most travel guides are long on information and short on wisdom; readersgoing to Rome will find plenty of both in Enrico Bruschini's Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Europe - Italy    5. European    6. Guidebooks    7. Italian art    8. Museums    9. Travel    10. Vatican City   

Reviews (6)

a pirated book that lost its way
David Hatcher Childress is a prolific writer of books on alternative history and conspiracy theory. However, neither friend nor foe will like this one. People like myself who don't find conspiracy theory convincing, will reject it for that reason. But even those who believe will be disappointed. "Pirates and the Lost Templar Fleet" contains nothing new. It's essentialy a rehash of ideas taken from other and more well-written books. In a sense, this book by Childress is "pirated".
Another Idiot Templar "Historian" Wastes Paper.
Childress - I should say "David", he writes like a child and should be treated like one - is a complete idiot. He is not a historian, and none of the sources he quotes are historical sources. They are books, much like this one, written in the past five years by people equally deficient in training and intellect.
Repetitive and unrevealing
This book is typical of Childress' books--mildly entertaining, but ultimately vaccuous. Chldress gives credence to every half-baked rumor and legend while failing to provide any level of decent support for his basic premise. If you're soldiered through his some of his other books you'll find material virtually rehashed word for word. If you like a collage of hodge podge stories and fabrications, you'll have fun enough but don't expect much in the way of substance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Freemasonry    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Maritime History    7. Medieval    8. Military Science    9. Naval History - Ancient    10. Roman Catholic Church    11. American history: pre-Columbian period, BCE to c 1500    12. The Americas   

Reviews (11)

A thoroughly entertaining author
I had the pleasure of meeting Brother Guy in the summer of 2001 during a visit to Castel Gandolfo where he was kind enough to take us on a guided tour of the observatories on the roof of the Papal residence. He is as entertaining and fascinating "in real life" as his books amply demonstrate to a reader.
The Desire for Truth and Understanding -- and Mars Rocks
Many of you have read - or have a copy of - Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno, an entertaining and instructive guide for amateur astronomers with small telescopes.No less entertaining is his book, Brother Astronomer:Adventures of a Vatican Scientist, in which Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno tells his life story in brief, and in more detail discusses Mars rocks, Antarctica adventures, and science/religion issues.
A delightful romp
Brother Astronomer is a delightful romp into the life of a joyful and spirit-filled man. Brother Guy exemplifies the bridging of the purported gap between faith and science; in his writing and his life and his combination of these two vocations he belies the simplistic and all-too glib pronouncements so many trot out about the rift between science and religion.Whether you come to this book from the religous or scientific side, read it with an open mind and heart, the way it was written.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1952-    2. Astronomers    3. Astronomy - General    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Consolmagno, Guy,    7. History    8. History Of Astronomy    9. Italy    10. Religion And Science    11. Science    12. Science/Mathematics    13. Scientists - General    14. Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment & methods    15. History of science    16. Popular astronomy    17. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church    18. Science / Astronomy    19. Vatican   

Reviews (5)

An exhaustive look at the history of the Catholic religion
Written by two priests who are identical twins and members of the Congregation of the Mary Immaculate Queen, Tumultuous Times: Twenty General Councils of the Catholic Church & Vatican II and Its Aftermath is an exhaustive look at the history of the Catholic religion. The first half extensively describes the history of the "Twenty General Councils of the Catholic Church" from 325-1870 AD and their role in defining and clarifying Catholic doctrine. The second half scrutinizes "Vatican II and Its Aftermath" (1962-1965), including the New Mass and Sacraments. Emphasizing the importance of constancy in church doctrine despite pressure from outside and constantly changing environments, Tumultuous Times is a resource that reflects the abiding faith of its authors, as well as their passionate conviction that that there can only be one true church. A powerfully written blend of extensive research and deeply held belief in the value of staying true to faith and tradition.
-a pro-Vatican II Catholic reviewer
I've spoken with Father Radecki and I must say that he does make some good points. I may not agree with his opinions necessarily, but he does shed some light upon the Catholic traditionalist point of view. Reading parts of this book has helped me to see the other side of the story.

Warning
Potential readers and buyers of this book should be aware that the authors are sede-vacantists, who believe that Vatican II was not a legitimate Council and that John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I and John Paul II were/are not legitimate popes.
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Subjects:  1. (2nd :    2. 1962-1965)    3. Bibles    4. Bibles - Catholic    5. Catholic Church    6. Christianity - History - General    7. Councils and synods, Ecumenical    8. Europe - General    9. History    10. Religion    11. Vatican Council   

Reviews (1)

An excellent look at the development preceding the reform.
From the description of the hardback edition: How has the Liturgy of the Roman rite developed and changed in history before and after the Council of Trent? What principles have determined the boundaries of legitimate liturgical reform over the centuries? What was the Liturgical Movement? Did Gu�ranger, Beauduin, Guardini, Parsch, Casel, Bugnini, Jungmann, Bouyer and the Movement's other leaders know and respect these principles? And what is to be said of the not insignificant liturgical reforms carried out by Saint Pius X, Popes Pius IX and Pius XII and Blessed John XXIII in the course of the twentieth century?
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Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. History    4. Institutions & Organizations    5. Liturgical movement    6. Liturgical reform    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church Life   

Reviews (5)

A great literary stylist delivers a great book
I am shocked at the ignorance of the last reviewer. Norman Klein is one of the finest literary stylists in the English-speaking world. He is a novelist as well as a critic. I have followed his work carefully for many years. Probably no one but he could have delivered this level of scholarship in the spirit of a novel, with ironic essays woven even into the footnotes, with a structure that says the book itself is a Renaissance computer.
Interesting ideas poorly written
Norman Klein is a professor and he writes like one! Meaning he doesn't seem to want to express his ideas simply because that would not be learned. This is ironic when he bemoans the powerful using "speacial effects" to deceive the huddled masses, that he couldn't write more clearly.

How to Write History

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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Cinematography    3. Film & Video - Cinematography    4. Film & Video - Direction & Production    5. General    6. History    7. History - General    8. Performing Arts (Specific Aspects)    9. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    10. Popular Culture - General    11. Special effects    12. Conjuring & magic    13. Cultural studies    14. Films, cinema    15. History of specific subjects    16. Modern period, c 1500 onwards    17. Theatre, drama   

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. Early Church    9. Vatican   

Reviews (2)

difficult read
Murky Waters is full of information but it was arranged so poorly as to make the book darn near unreadable. If you want to know the history of VII read the Rhine Flows into the Tiber or anything by Michael Davies instead.

A superb, scholarly analysis of Vatican II
This book (one of a series by the author on Vatican II) focuses on the AMBIGUITY that permeates the Council documents and explains how that ambiguity has opened the door to interpretations radically opposed to the perennial teachings of the Catholic Church.Read more

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

Reviews (2)

St. Peter's
This book was a good memory-jogger after the fact of a visit to St. Peter's.

Stunning accomplishment!
Every good Catholic should have this small and lovely illustrated book on the Basilica.It goes into true depth and descriptive details of this most monumental of religious structures. ... Read more

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

Features

• Audiobook

Subjects:  1. Italy    2. Museum, historic sites, gallery & art guides    3. Places & peoples: general interest   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - Catholic    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Inspirational - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - Classic Works    6. Christianity   

Reviews (1)

An indispensable reference tool
This three-volume set (including one on the Second Vatican Council, one on the Constitutions of the Council, and one on the Decrees and Declarations of the Council) is the best, most user-friendly reference tool I've seen about this landmark Council. It is difficult to overstate the effects of SV2 on how Catholics "do" church. Whether you are only casually interested in learning more about the Church, or are a convert who would like to understand more about why Catholics react the way they do to certain issues, this series is for you. (And while you're at it, pick up a copy of "With Mary in Prayer" to understand a bit more about her!) ... Read more

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. Ecclesiology & Church government    8. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Reviews (4)

Excellent History
David Kertzer provides a detailed account of the Vatican's attempts to return the Pope to his temporal throne, reigning over the former Papal States, for many years following the successful unification of Italy.Exercising one of the very freedoms that the Vatican had vowed to suppress if returned to temporal power, Kertzer uses his freedom of expression to give us a fair, honest, and balanced treatment of events.His history does not come off as being anti-Catholic, but it deals (factually) with issues that others might wish to avoid in order not to appear being so.It is, therefore, a rich source, taking us behind the scenes to experience the very human side of the Vatican.If it is a rule that all governments engage in disinformation and spin, then David Kertzer shows us that the Vatican is no exception.He also reveals the tightrope that the new nation of Italy straddled in its first years, governing a people who were, for the most part, faithful Catholics who did not always know how to make distinctions between loyalty to faith and nation while also working with the rulers of other European nations whose citizens were struggling with those distinctions.One comes away we a new respect for those early leaders of Italy who held on when challenged from within and from without to their newfound freedom and newly founded republic.I highly recommend this and Kertzer's other books.

From documents buried in Vatican archives
Documents buried in Vatican archives have only recently been made available to some historians, and David Kertzer's access to some of these records lend a lively touch to his political and religious history PRISONER OF THE VATICAN: THE POPES, THE KINGS, AND GARIBALDI'S REBELS IN THE STRUGGLE TO RULE MODERN ITALY. In 1870 Pope Pius IX and his successor decided to go into exile secretly to attract support among the faithful for the papal cause: to conspire against Garibaldi and the king of Italy to control the Italian state. It was a brilliant move: popes became prisoners of the Vatican for sixty years and even considered moving it outside Italy. A riveting true story of religion and a political scheme which changed the world.
Untold history
The subtitle of this book is a bit misleading: there didn't appear to be a "secret plan" to recapture Rome from the new Italian state. Most of what happened was rather straightforward, and done by diplomatic means. In any event, this is an extremely interesting book about a little-known subject. Of course, everyone knows the basic story of the taking of Rome from the Pope by the new Italian state, but after that, nothing. This book very well fills in the knowledge gap by showing how the new state "bent over backwards" to try and mollify the Papal folks, only to be rebuffed at every turn. From the vantage of more than 125 years of Italian sovereignty over Rome, we can see how foolish the fears of the Pope actually were, but hindsight is the best sight. At the time, the Pope felt he was protecting the sovereignty and independence of the Papacy by having a temporal land under his control. This is fascinating history at its best, and I strongly recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1792-1878    2. Christianity - History - Catholic    3. Church and state    4. Europe - Italy    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. IX,    9. Italy    10. Italy - History    11. Leo    12. Pius    13. Pope,    14. Popes    15. Religion, Politics & State    16. Roman Catholic Church    17. Roman question    18. Temporal power    19. History / Italy   

Subjects:  1. Education / Teaching    2. General    3. History    4. Illumination Of Books And Manuscripts    5. Library & Information Science    6. Library resources    7. Manuscripts    8. Rare book libraries    9. Rare books    10. Reference    11. Vatican City   

Reviews (16)

Virgilo Scattolini's lies are back
About ten years ago, I tried to read this trash-book.This book is so absurd as UFO fables or eugenicists books and such as these things.
Informative
OK, this book is very informative. Very very interesting.Use this book along with your studies on the Nazi relation to the Vatican.Ratlines, intelligence, etc....very interesting book indeed.You'll have to read to see.I also suggest you read Two Babylons and Mystery Babylon Religion.Could this be conspiracy theory?Hum.Good question, you read and decide.I believe most of it is not!

Through book about the secret Vatican..
Mark Aarons and John Loftus wrote a comprehensive, if a bit dry book on the secret activities of the Vatican, the Allies, and the GRU(Soviet Military Intelligence) during World War 2, and its aftermath.Basically, the Vatican and the West played Germany and Russia against each other in some instinces, while fighting Nazism in others.The Vatican, especially, helped many Nazi collabarators escape Central and Eastern Europe as detailed in the book.This book shows how many people in the intelligence community did despicable things because they feared the Communists.Despite the anonymous one star reviews for this book, Aarons and Loftus tell the truth as evidenced from numerous documents that were inadvertiatly declassified.Thanks to them, justice will finally come to some. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Catholic Church    3. Christianity - History - Catholic    4. Clergy    5. Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    6. Fugitives from justice    7. Germany    8. History    9. History: World    10. Intelligence Operations    11. Military - World War II    12. Nazis    13. Political activity    14. Religion - Roman Catholic    15. Religious aspects    16. War Crimes And Criminals    17. World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (6)

A Dissenter's/ Cafeteria Catholic's Guide to the Council
I got a copy Xavier Rynne book that non-catholic friend picked up at a Garage sale for around $ .50. Established Church doctrine is criticized in a variety places throughout this post-modern text, including the Petrine text.Thats about what it is worth. Mr. Hans Kung is quoted with relish everywhere, but after 40 years of "the next Pope who will change everything" mentality from the Geritol Generation, look whose sitting on the Papal throne -Benedict XVI (Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger). It truly amazing how the Catholicism of reviewer above bears closer resemblance to Democratic Party Plamks than anything the scriptures bear witness too. The reviewer above who admonished the rest of us to take the word of a distinguished theologian Paul Lakeland who supports Women's ordination and dissents from just about every moral teaching of the Church on Sexual morality should perhaps study up on John Paul II's statement Ordinatio Sacerdotalis.
The Amazing True Story about the Legacy of Pope John XXIII
A shrewd, candid, wonderfully written insider's account of what actually happened at the Second Vatican Council, the decisive turning point in the history of modern Catholicism.The original version of these stories appeared as a series in "The New Yorker," and brought smiles to the faces and hope to the hearts of thoughtful Catholics all over the country and beyond.The desperate, dishonest, and sneering comments by industrious Catholic rightists, still huffing and puffing about the 1960s, the decade of Vatican II, the Civil Rights movement, the Catholic Peace movement, the efforts to re-energize movements to care about poor people, to secure the rights of women, and to take responsibility for the endangered natural environment, tell you all you will ever need to know about their version of Jesus' "Love one another...."This particular sect of reactionary Catholics has been spewing contempt on democratic values since the late 18th century, while cozzying up to a long line of corrupt aristocrats, fascists, megalomaniacs, and cynical thugs.Being honest about history is the path with heart for Catholics today.Just telling the truth will re-activate the long-stalled renewal of our church.Trust Paul Lakeland, a distinguished Catholic theologian, and trust what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing even in these sad and painful times.And meanwhile--enjoy this terrific, heartening book.

A definitive journalistic vision
This book is simply a classic, written by a man who was present in Rome throughout the council and had unparalleled connections. The liberal/conservative story of the Council, like it or not, is the true story of the Council, and Rynne was right that at the time the liberals won the day. Of course they did. Otherwise, how explain the strength of the later Curia-driven backlash and the restorationism that has afflicted the Church for the last 25 years? Subsequent attempts to present it differently skew the truth. This is the truth about the Council, even if it doesn't say the last word about its subsequent fortunes. And it is damn well written! ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Attitudes    3. Authority    4. Catholic Church    5. Catholics    6. Christianity - Catholicism    7. Christianity andpolitics    8. Church    9. Church And Government    10. General    11. History    12. History of doctrines    13. Religion    14. Religion - Classic Works    15. Religion - Roman Catholic    16. Roman Catholic Church    17. United States    18. Religion / General    19. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church