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The Popes

A History

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The Popes

By: John Julius Norwich
Narrated by: Michael Jayston
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.


John Julius Norwich expertly examines the history of the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter to the present

Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable immorality. One was said to have been a woman, her sex being revealed only when she improvidently gave birth to a baby during a papal procession. Almost as shocking was Formosus whose murdered corpse was exhumed, clothed in pontifical vestments, propped up on a throne and subjected to trial. From the glories of Byzantium to the decay of Rome, from the Albigensian Heresy to controversy within the Church today, The Popes is superbly written, witty and revealing.

'Charming and learned...The prose is elegant, the witticisms are plentiful, and the volume's enthusiasm is addictive.' Jonathan Wright, BBC History Magazine


© John Julius Norwich 2011 (P) Penguin Audio 2011

 Christian Living Christianity Middle Ages Italy Rome Crusade
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Overall a good book on the history of the Catholic Church, yet one couldn't help but notice the views of the author on various topics which is not what you'd expect when listening to a historical book.

Overall, a good historical book

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Norwich wrote this history of the Popes with great insight into one of the greatest frauds of all times. To visit the Vatican and see the wonderful buildings and paintings is in complete contrast to the true reality of the Catholic Church.

A great piece of historical writing

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The requirement to add what you didn’t like so you can submit a good review, what a load of nonsense.

Extraordinary story, so well researched and told.

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An extraordinary journey through western civilisation, the power, corruption. Thrilling and also pretty. Highly recommended.

An extraordinary journey

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A very balanced account of a long and torrid history of the Western World’s longest monarchy - a power structure built by men for men, at the expense of women and unbelievers. This book demonstrates how the papacy was shaped by power, corruption, money, gender and exclusion.

Thoroughly well researched

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