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Absolute Monarchs

The History of the Papacy
by John Julius Norwich
Absolute Monarchs: The History of the Papacy. Random. Jul. 2011. 528p. ISBN 9781400067152. $30; eISBN 9780679604990.
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When Norwich writes, I read; this member of the House of Lords is a notable and engrossing historian, perhaps best known for his monumental study of Byzantium. Here he offers a history of the nearly two-millennia-old papacy that should be popular with many readers.
Popular British historian and travel writer Norwich (A History of Venice) offers a readable, sweeping history of the papacy, concentrating on the role of the various popes in world politics, while treating little of the religious aspects of the papacy. In some cases, he follows the popular view with little notice that there are serious historians who hold a contrary opinion. While he seems to emphasize the more sordid tales of the papacy, there are some popes, such as Gregory the Great, for whom Norwich expresses the highest admiration. Some critical comments show a definite liberal slant, and Norwich is not afraid to express his personal opinion. There is a fascinating chapter on the Pope Joan legend, and Norwich offers his opinion on whether John Paul I was murdered.
VERDICT This lively if opinionated view of the political aspects of one of the most powerful positions in world history will appeal to history buffs. Eamon Duffy's more scholarly Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes treats more directly the papacy as a religious institution.—Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ
Reviewed by Augustine J. Curley , Feb 01, 2011
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