A History of the Popes: Volume II: Middle Ages to the Protestant Reform

by Wyatt North

The office of bishop of Rome, is one of the most powerful positions in the world. As an ancient institution stretching back for centuries, the papacy has a history that is marked by archaic and modern customs alike. The history of the men who have held this position is fraught with villainous and heroic actions that have left a profound impact on the development of civilization as we know it, both in the West and East. The popes led the early Church through persecution, acquired temporal power through the actions of Constantine, oversaw the universal Church in the early middle ages, were steeped in various scandals in the late middle ages, saw their secular power stripped in the modern period, and were instrumental in the rise and fall of various kingdoms and nations.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion, Catholic

138 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2015

Reviews

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t think of a soap-opera that could rival this story. I had no idea how much infighting and nepotism corrupted the Papal.
The author makes it clear at the beginning that he will not be able to expound on each of the pontiffs in detail. Thus, we are only getting a small sample of those who held the office and their effects on the church-some good, some not so good.
It will be up to the reader to do their own research in the areas that have piqued their curiosity.

Four Stars

[Susan Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A History of the Pipes. Volume two

This was filled with short history,s of popes from the past. If it wasn't for Christ being the head of the Cathoic Church we would have never survived.

[Dj · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick overview of the Popes from the start of the Middle Ages to the start of the Protestant Reformation. All told not a upstanding group of individuals. It seems strange reading about sons and grandsons of previous Popes holding office.

Not very detailed by a good overview.

[Dorothy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Interesting

Very informative and interesting, although the history is hard to swallow. At times, it was difficult to comprehend what happened to the Catholic Church during those years.

[Mr Peter W Treasaden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read

This second volume along with the first is clearly books for those seriously interested in understanding the evolution of both the papacy and the Catholic church.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of Volume II is much the same as of Volume I (see that review for further detail).

Volume II was a bit less confusing, in spots with excessive brevity, but still had a number of typos.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I wished it would have gone in more detail. But it was good for a brief read. If you are looking for lots of details you might want to look elsewhere

[Liz Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of papacy

With a tightly woven document North tells us one or two personal things about key winners of the papal races. It fills some political holes in my understanding of things.