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Crónicas dos Papas
O Papado é a mais antiga instituição do mundo ocidental. Ao longo de quase dois mil anos, os papas não só delinearam o curso de uma das grandes religiões do mundo, como desempenharam também um papel, muitas vezes dominante, na história da Humanidade. Crónicas dos Papas, retrata as vidas e feitos dos 266 papas desde S. Pedro a João Paulo II. Esta obra fornece um valioso contributo histórico, mostrando como, o papado se moveu num círculo - partindo de um ofício espiritual, passando pelo envolvimento no poder político e, agora, no início do novo milénio, de volta às suas raízes espirituais Crónicas dos Papas de P.G. Maxwell-Stuart
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1997
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About the author
P.G. Maxwell-Stuart
39 books13 followersPeter G. Maxwell-Stuart is a Research Fellow in the Department of History at the University of Aberdeen and an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of History in the University of St. Andrews.
Source: Macmillan
Source: Macmillan
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 3, 2021
This is a book of all the popes from Peter to Benedict XVI’s first years, and much more interesting that one could imagine. There are so many varieties of them: good/bad, achievers/inefficient, hardly-ruled/for a decade or three, influential/weak, loved/disliked, strict/listeners. Different personalities, family backgrounds, nationalities (but mostly Italian), varied careers pre-choosing – sometimes had been just laymen until voting; one had a career as a pirate! - looks and clothes, deaths. The antipopes, rivals who ruled at the same time as the accepted ones, are also mentioned (and not just in one time period).
Extra stuff on certain subjects have their own sections. There’s also maps, pictures, timeline, and smaller info squares. The popes are grouped in five groups: beginnings, separation of east and west, crusades (starting with Urban II) and the Avignon exile (1309-1377), gradual loss of power (starting with wranglings with the French), and to the modern age. Each pope gets his own list of information, of small facts about him that are known (not easy in the earliest ages, and even years in power are not always certain at first); some earlier ones have only their name and rough years-in-power numbers (especially the first twelve). Only with pope Callistus I the years become clear. And yes, the Pope Joan thing really is just a myth.
It’s interesting to see how the pope’s influence and amount of land goes up, and then down (the biggest it is in 1513). And the position of pope as it is now, was really properly established only in 5th century. Plenty of popes have become saints, including two antipopes. Certain popes get their own chapters, or share with one or two (the two popes of Charlemagne, the Borgia ones, Juliaus II, Urban VIII who used magic to gain luck). Not all popes were old (some got voted in at 18), or from aristocratic families (Borgias, Medicis). One pope was English (Hadrian IV); one wrote operas while still pope. Some favored family members, or were related to previous popes, some had been married, some had children before (or during).
What sort of things are in this history? Heresies, certainly, from those that increased persecution, up to this day (Albigensians, John Wycliffe, Savonarola, Jansenism, Quietism, Arianism, etc.). Sometimes there were chaotic periods – and this after the persecution times of the earlier years – due to unrest from people in Rome, the Turks, other countries, Byzantium… Rulers and aristocracy could also influence things, for good or for bad. Crusades, the Templars, and the Inquisition happened. Orders such as the Franciscans, the Dominicans, and the Jesuits were influential. Plenty of famous people – rulers, artists, scientists, etc. - appear. Many buildings, universities, charities, libraries benefit from papal support.
The modern age (materialism, atheism, inventions) get some resistance or acceptance, depending on the subject and on the pope, really. Vatican becomes the size it is in 1870; its radio is on after 1931. Things are concluded with the hopeful notes on Benedict XVI’s time beginning – I think it would be nice to read an update on this book, what it would say now on him, and then on Francis, the current pope.
This book delivers: history, the good and the bad of each (if it is known), the improvements and the declines – everything is given and one can watch as the familiar and new-to-reader things rolls nicely by, haha. Worth it.
Extra stuff on certain subjects have their own sections. There’s also maps, pictures, timeline, and smaller info squares. The popes are grouped in five groups: beginnings, separation of east and west, crusades (starting with Urban II) and the Avignon exile (1309-1377), gradual loss of power (starting with wranglings with the French), and to the modern age. Each pope gets his own list of information, of small facts about him that are known (not easy in the earliest ages, and even years in power are not always certain at first); some earlier ones have only their name and rough years-in-power numbers (especially the first twelve). Only with pope Callistus I the years become clear. And yes, the Pope Joan thing really is just a myth.
It’s interesting to see how the pope’s influence and amount of land goes up, and then down (the biggest it is in 1513). And the position of pope as it is now, was really properly established only in 5th century. Plenty of popes have become saints, including two antipopes. Certain popes get their own chapters, or share with one or two (the two popes of Charlemagne, the Borgia ones, Juliaus II, Urban VIII who used magic to gain luck). Not all popes were old (some got voted in at 18), or from aristocratic families (Borgias, Medicis). One pope was English (Hadrian IV); one wrote operas while still pope. Some favored family members, or were related to previous popes, some had been married, some had children before (or during).
What sort of things are in this history? Heresies, certainly, from those that increased persecution, up to this day (Albigensians, John Wycliffe, Savonarola, Jansenism, Quietism, Arianism, etc.). Sometimes there were chaotic periods – and this after the persecution times of the earlier years – due to unrest from people in Rome, the Turks, other countries, Byzantium… Rulers and aristocracy could also influence things, for good or for bad. Crusades, the Templars, and the Inquisition happened. Orders such as the Franciscans, the Dominicans, and the Jesuits were influential. Plenty of famous people – rulers, artists, scientists, etc. - appear. Many buildings, universities, charities, libraries benefit from papal support.
The modern age (materialism, atheism, inventions) get some resistance or acceptance, depending on the subject and on the pope, really. Vatican becomes the size it is in 1870; its radio is on after 1931. Things are concluded with the hopeful notes on Benedict XVI’s time beginning – I think it would be nice to read an update on this book, what it would say now on him, and then on Francis, the current pope.
This book delivers: history, the good and the bad of each (if it is known), the improvements and the declines – everything is given and one can watch as the familiar and new-to-reader things rolls nicely by, haha. Worth it.
October 11, 2022
Având reprezentanți numiți drept Episcopi ai Romei sau (după o vreme) Capi ai Bisericii Catolice, instituția papilor a existat de aproximativ 2000 de ani, primul papă recunoscut "oficial" fiind Sfântul Petru, unul dintre apostolii lui Iisus. De atunci și până în contemporanitate au existat mai bine de 250 de papi (numărul este dezbătut din cauza unor perioade mai tulburi când au existat și trei papi concomitent, faimoșii anti-papi), iar cartea de față și-a luat ambițioasa sarcină de a le prezenta pe scurt "domniile" sau cum se zice în limbaj clerical, pontificatele.
De la bun început putem menționa faptul că volumul se termină cu alegerea lui Benedict XVI ca Papă, ultima aducere la zi aparentă a operei fiind în 2006 - deci, cititorii nu vor afla prea multe despre acesta sau despre urmașul său la tronul papal, Francis(c) I. În rest, cartea este scrisă destul de academic, ușor înspre partea uscată a istoriei, poate și din cauza conciziei textului, acesta fiind nevoit să înghesuie cât mai multe informații în doar câteva pagini acordate fiecărui personaj. Se pune puțin accentul pe unii dintre papii mai emblematici, Ioan Paul al II-lea, Alexandru VI Borgia sa Iulius al II-lea, Papa Războinic, iar despre cei mai timpurii (sec I-II) avem doar informații lapidare. Fiind aproape una dintre faimoasele "cărți de pe masa de cafea" și aceasta prezintă o întreagă serie de imagini color sau nu, fresce, poze, reproduceri artistice sau fotografii după caz. Cu alte cuvinte, este o bună introducere și indexare în lumea papilor cu informații sigure și fără hazarduri de genul teorii ale conspirației sau tot felul de calomnii, autorul limitându-se la a prezenta faptele istorice cunoscute fără a emite judecăți morale și moralizatoare.
De la bun început putem menționa faptul că volumul se termină cu alegerea lui Benedict XVI ca Papă, ultima aducere la zi aparentă a operei fiind în 2006 - deci, cititorii nu vor afla prea multe despre acesta sau despre urmașul său la tronul papal, Francis(c) I. În rest, cartea este scrisă destul de academic, ușor înspre partea uscată a istoriei, poate și din cauza conciziei textului, acesta fiind nevoit să înghesuie cât mai multe informații în doar câteva pagini acordate fiecărui personaj. Se pune puțin accentul pe unii dintre papii mai emblematici, Ioan Paul al II-lea, Alexandru VI Borgia sa Iulius al II-lea, Papa Războinic, iar despre cei mai timpurii (sec I-II) avem doar informații lapidare. Fiind aproape una dintre faimoasele "cărți de pe masa de cafea" și aceasta prezintă o întreagă serie de imagini color sau nu, fresce, poze, reproduceri artistice sau fotografii după caz. Cu alte cuvinte, este o bună introducere și indexare în lumea papilor cu informații sigure și fără hazarduri de genul teorii ale conspirației sau tot felul de calomnii, autorul limitându-se la a prezenta faptele istorice cunoscute fără a emite judecăți morale și moralizatoare.
November 10, 2013
When the rains start and the days darken, I love a good history volume, preferably one that doesn't require too much slogging (those are saved for laundry days). This book hit the spot...with a cup of hot chocolate to keep me company, the adventures and politics of centuries of Pontiffs kept me very enthralled indeed. Each biographical account brings the Papacy to life, with historical illustrations and maps included.
The Papacy is the last connection to the Roman Empire, breathing history, so I am always fascinated. Saintly Popes, political Popes, Crusader Popes are all here, with extra pages provided for the most important Papal leaders. There are also sidebars on various historical events, such as the Counter-Reformation. Plus, I can say I own a book that was printed in Slovenia.
Book Season = Winter (paint the ceiling)
The Papacy is the last connection to the Roman Empire, breathing history, so I am always fascinated. Saintly Popes, political Popes, Crusader Popes are all here, with extra pages provided for the most important Papal leaders. There are also sidebars on various historical events, such as the Counter-Reformation. Plus, I can say I own a book that was printed in Slovenia.
Book Season = Winter (paint the ceiling)
May 26, 2008
I love this series. If I had the money and space I'd have all the books in it. As it is I only have the two I need and like the best--this one and the Chronicle of the Old Testament Kings. Colorful, very browse-able, full of fascinating facts. Not up to research standands but great if you want a quick synposis on one or two of the Popes, or just want to get a quick review of the papacy overall.
July 9, 2023
The "Chronicle of the Popes" is a reign by reign record of the Papacy over 2000 years. That is an impressive undertaking, and the author does a good job making it both interesting and understandable. Of course, many of the early "Popes" are little known, many just by their name and dates they served as Pope. A number of early Popes fell victim to Roman persecutions. However, by the 5th Century not only was the Catholic religion the official religion of the empire but it was Pope Leo who saved Rome from Attila and the Popes became basically the rulers of Rome. The book shows that the selections of Popes were hardly without serious problems. Often the King in charge of central Europe at the time would select the man he wanted. At times, more then one man claimed to be the Pope. Roman noble families would fight over which family would have the next Pope, regardless of the Man's qualifications. Some Popes had mistresses and children which they in turn would be named bishops even as teenagers. Many Popes were more interested in their civil powers than their spiritual duties. Yet somehow the Papacy continued. I recommend this book to all who are interested in history. Of course, the book covering all Popes can not cover in great detail each Pope's history, but it gives a very good overview.
June 8, 2019
This splendid non-fiction book has been my bedtime reading, and it is a very exhaustive research book on the Papacy, with hundreds of illustrations, sidebars, and extra material. And I loved reading this book.
For each Pope, from St. Peter to John Paul II (more anon), the author has a sidebar of biographical information and a detailed biography. Periodically, at the bottom of the page, appears a bar timeline of the reign of the Popes, with other pertinent information noted. When appropriate in the chronological order, sidebars of non-Pope important people are given, and there are detailed sections about the Crusades, the Avignon papacy, the Reformation, and other historical events.
The book was written in 1997, so the reign of John Paul II is given rather short shrift (it is nearly impossible to access the career of someone who is still living, and John Paul II was Pope until 2005). And, of course, the reign of Pope Benedict XVI (2005 - 2013) and the current reign of Pope Francis (2013 - ) are not mentioned at all. (The second edition was published in 2006, and includes Pope Benedict XVI.)
This was a very good book, and I am very happy to have it in my library.
For each Pope, from St. Peter to John Paul II (more anon), the author has a sidebar of biographical information and a detailed biography. Periodically, at the bottom of the page, appears a bar timeline of the reign of the Popes, with other pertinent information noted. When appropriate in the chronological order, sidebars of non-Pope important people are given, and there are detailed sections about the Crusades, the Avignon papacy, the Reformation, and other historical events.
The book was written in 1997, so the reign of John Paul II is given rather short shrift (it is nearly impossible to access the career of someone who is still living, and John Paul II was Pope until 2005). And, of course, the reign of Pope Benedict XVI (2005 - 2013) and the current reign of Pope Francis (2013 - ) are not mentioned at all. (The second edition was published in 2006, and includes Pope Benedict XVI.)
This was a very good book, and I am very happy to have it in my library.
Read
July 18, 2020I have been reading this and found it quite revealing. True enough it contains saints - genuine saints and martyrs. However it also highlighted the extent to which the papacy was heavily embroiled in politics and worldly matters from Constantine onwards right up to the 17th Century. It makes it very clear that the current conception of the papacy as a purely spiritual office is actually a very modern idea. It's designed to be accessible and entertaining for a non specialist audience.
August 3, 2022
The book concerns more with the political history of the papacy than its spiritual lessons. I am not sure, but I think the author is not Catholic by some of the statements that he makes. Anyway, it is a good book to introduce the history of the papacy, and it comes with lots of visual aids to illustrate the main events.
November 25, 2025
A pretty good book about the Popes. There was plenty of opportunity to offer a more balanced view of the popes. The author could be a bit more objective and admit when popes acted in ways that were antithetical to the Catholic teachings (looking at you Borgias). The visuals throughout the book were fantastic.
July 30, 2017
A very interesting chronicle of the Popes' reign but it lets you with more questions than answers regarding religion and faith. After reading it I feel I have to do further researches to get the answers I'm looking for.
March 8, 2020
A great survey of the characteristics and historical backdrops — in short summary — of the papacy. A lucid resource and/or a quick superficial read.
February 25, 2016
A useful survey of all the popes, although it is probably best to read it alongside a more in-depth treatment of the papacy as an institution (something like Eamon Duffy's Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes). With its focus on chronicling each and every pope, even if the author must simply say 'this pope is rather obscure', it sometimes lacks a bit of narrative cohesion. But, it does what it says and has lots of nice pictures.
February 1, 2009
It was good, but I don't think I'll read it again. I liked learning about the papacy and thought it was cool that there was a pope from Volterra, Italy! lol. Thier view of St. Peter was quite interesting as well.
July 29, 2017
Something about the papacy fascinates me, despite my being decidedly not catholic. Perhaps that is why, actually.
Anyway, interesting look at the history of the papacy, starting with St Peter. Drags along in some places, and who knew that so many popes died so quickly, natural causes or otherwise.
Anyway, interesting look at the history of the papacy, starting with St Peter. Drags along in some places, and who knew that so many popes died so quickly, natural causes or otherwise.
Read
May 2, 2016
May 11, 2011
Good reference book !!!
July 26, 2012
Good stuff...details the known facts of the Holy Father or the not-so Holy Father including the False Popes and Anti-Popes....
January 28, 2021
'A book you'd rate 5 stars'
February 23, 2011
Concise record of the papacy from the beginning from St. Peter. beautiful art too!
April 30, 2013
Nice look in to the reigns of the popes. B-.
May 11, 2013
Very useful reference book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews