Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from St. Peter to John Paul II, and: Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes (review)

Richard McBrien is not an historian but a contemporary theologian who refreshingly acknowledges this is not a work “of primary historical scholarship” (p. 1). But it is a solid work, offering brief biographies of all the popes as well as sections on how popes are elected, “firsts” and “lasts” of the popes, and a glossary of terms. The photographs are of relatively recent popes or of imaginative paintings of earlier ones, such as Raffaello’s rather pudgy Clement I (Clement of Rome). McBrien also addresses theological questions and the future of the papacy. Both students and scholars will find this book clear and accessible.

Eamon Duffy is a professional historian of the modern period. His account of the papacy to Gregory the Great provides a readable, well-written and balanced guide. He weaves his way skillfully through Roman history, theological controversy, and East-West conflicts. He maintains this high standard throughout the book.

The book has many fine illustrations—well-chosen and very well reproduced. For the mosaics of Theodora and Justinian in San Vitale, the figures are clearly delineated and the colors vibrant. Later illustrations, such as the portrait of Innocent X by Velazquez and David’s panorama of Bonaparte’s coronation, are equally good. Many non-artistic illustrations have great historical value, especially the Risorgimento and Kulturkampf propaganda pieces. Often illustrations ornament a text, but these genuinely supplement it. Duffy has also provided seven maps, a glossary of terms and a good bibliography. Errors are few (Constantine died in 337, not 347).

The book is best suited to a survey of church or papal history. Those teaching just the Early Christian period will probably prefer the work of our late colleague Robert Eno, The Rise of the Papacy (1990), but if one does not wish to read or assign a book-length study of the early papacy, chapters one and two of this book will meet the need.

Finally, many thanks to Yale UP for keeping the price so moderate for a book with so many illustrations.