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Inside the Vatican
This lavishly illustrated guide through the Vatican captures the people, the treasures, and the inner workings of the center of the Roman Catholic Church. Bart McDowell takes readers through centuries of Vatican history, describing the days of the Roman Empire, the glorious years of the Renaissance, the power struggle between Church and State that endured from the late 7th century until 1929, and much more. Since the center of the Roman Catholic Church is also the world's smallest nation, McDowell explains religious matters, such as the process of canonization, and governmental operations of the Vatican-highlighted by a visit with Pope John Paul II as he attends to his many daily duties. Photographer James L. Stanfield spent nearly a year inside the Vatican with unprecedented access to its museums, ceremonies, and people. His full-color photographs show art that few visitors to the Vatican have the chance to see-works of such masters as Michelangelo and Raphael-and provide private viewings of Pope John Paul II's quarters, the necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica, and world-renowned libraries. Through these beautiful and exclusive photographs and the revealing text that accompanies them, Inside the Vatican celebrates a small, dynamic community unique in the world.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
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About the author
Bart McDowell
17 booksBart McDowell was an award-winning writer and senior editor at National Geographic magazine in Washington for 32 years. During the course of his career he wrote nearly three dozen articles and several books.
Mr. McDowell worked on six continents and in 67 countries.
He was an officer in the Navy during World War II.
Mr. McDowell worked on six continents and in 67 countries.
He was an officer in the Navy during World War II.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 28, 2025
INSIDE THE VATICAN could be considered a coffee table book as it is so richly illustrated with color photographs. Many of these are of the numerous works of art that adorn the walls and ceilings of St. Peter's Basilica. The copyright is from 1991 when John Paul II was pope and in that regard it may be considered a little dated, but considering that most of the works were already centuries old, who cares?
At that time the book stated that the Catholic Church had some 906 million adherents, yet the seat of power, if you can call it that, lay in only 108.7 acres of the Vatican. Since 1929 the Vatican has enjoyed the status of a separate city state, the smallest in the world. It has no privately owned real estate, no general elections or income tax. It does have its own post office and diplomatic corp and is guarded by its own small contingent of 100 Swiss Guards.
By the way, even though Guards carry medieval halberds and swords and wear plate armor, their colorful dress dates from 1914! They do carry mace and know martial arts, and being ex-Swiss soldiers they do have firearms training. Being a guardsman may be an honor to a Catholic but it is still a serious business. In times past an angry Roman mob killed the entire guard force.
A brief history of the popes and the Vatican is included. Even though the claim is that the role of leader of the church has been handed down from Peter, it is admitted that some popes were pretty bad. And because they were heavily involved in secular affairs they were political leaders as well, therefore sometimes Roman mobs wanted them dead. Having lost church lands they have distanced themselves from most secular affairs, which seems to have made everyone happy.
Most of the works of art in the Vatican were commissioned by popes. However some pieces came from archaeology digs. Many pieces are priceless.
It was interesting to read about Michelangelo. In my opinion some artists are eccentric, or a bit crazy, and Michelangelo was no exception. He had very few friends and rarely took his boots off. It was said that when he did, skin would peel off with the boots and smelled pretty bad. When the pope told him that he wanted him to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel he was upset because he was a sculptor, not a painter. Yet I doubt any modern painter could duplicate his work.
I must mention that the 'secret' Vatican library refers to 'private' papers and correspondence of past popes. Except for the more recent ones, all this is available for historians to examine.
There is a huge foldout picture of Pope John Paul II in Gdansk, Poland. He is offering up prayers for the faithful assembled there. I have never seen 750,000 people in one photo before!
This is a great book for a Catholic, especially one who probably won't be going to the Vatican any time soon. I will therefore pass it on to one who will appreciate it.
At that time the book stated that the Catholic Church had some 906 million adherents, yet the seat of power, if you can call it that, lay in only 108.7 acres of the Vatican. Since 1929 the Vatican has enjoyed the status of a separate city state, the smallest in the world. It has no privately owned real estate, no general elections or income tax. It does have its own post office and diplomatic corp and is guarded by its own small contingent of 100 Swiss Guards.
By the way, even though Guards carry medieval halberds and swords and wear plate armor, their colorful dress dates from 1914! They do carry mace and know martial arts, and being ex-Swiss soldiers they do have firearms training. Being a guardsman may be an honor to a Catholic but it is still a serious business. In times past an angry Roman mob killed the entire guard force.
A brief history of the popes and the Vatican is included. Even though the claim is that the role of leader of the church has been handed down from Peter, it is admitted that some popes were pretty bad. And because they were heavily involved in secular affairs they were political leaders as well, therefore sometimes Roman mobs wanted them dead. Having lost church lands they have distanced themselves from most secular affairs, which seems to have made everyone happy.
Most of the works of art in the Vatican were commissioned by popes. However some pieces came from archaeology digs. Many pieces are priceless.
It was interesting to read about Michelangelo. In my opinion some artists are eccentric, or a bit crazy, and Michelangelo was no exception. He had very few friends and rarely took his boots off. It was said that when he did, skin would peel off with the boots and smelled pretty bad. When the pope told him that he wanted him to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel he was upset because he was a sculptor, not a painter. Yet I doubt any modern painter could duplicate his work.
I must mention that the 'secret' Vatican library refers to 'private' papers and correspondence of past popes. Except for the more recent ones, all this is available for historians to examine.
There is a huge foldout picture of Pope John Paul II in Gdansk, Poland. He is offering up prayers for the faithful assembled there. I have never seen 750,000 people in one photo before!
This is a great book for a Catholic, especially one who probably won't be going to the Vatican any time soon. I will therefore pass it on to one who will appreciate it.
December 12, 2009
Who does it better than National Geographic with its photography, sense of history and making it come alive for today's world. You'll will definitely enjoy this handsomely done book whatever your faith may be. NG also has a video/DVD on the Vatican.
July 29, 2011
Facinating book, that gives a look at behind the scenes and what you will find if you go to the Vatican.
Who knew that there was egyptian art on display there!
Mind you, it did illistrate a point a friend made, in that the richs that the vatican own's, could easily pay for the eradication of poverty in some of its poorer followers.
I was amazes that the turn over of the place, was not as great as some US college's.
I was also disappointed to read that the great canopy, that covers the high alter plundered some of the world's treasures to get its decrotive details. Awful.
Like the book, read if your curious about the place.
Who knew that there was egyptian art on display there!
Mind you, it did illistrate a point a friend made, in that the richs that the vatican own's, could easily pay for the eradication of poverty in some of its poorer followers.
I was amazes that the turn over of the place, was not as great as some US college's.
I was also disappointed to read that the great canopy, that covers the high alter plundered some of the world's treasures to get its decrotive details. Awful.
Like the book, read if your curious about the place.
February 5, 2014
A very nice table display type book that gives some of the history of the Vatican, the way this city state operate. its collection of artwork, and numerous photographs of the people and art treasures. An impressive and informative work.
June 19, 2015
This is a great coffee table book about the Vatican, with lots of wonderful photographs, artwork, and a colorful map of the smallest state in the world and the center of the Roman Catholic Church.
June 7, 2019
Beautiful photography accompanies a considerable amount of text that gives life and narrative to the Vatican - such an iconic place in this world. I've not visited the Vatican, nor have I spent much time learning about it, though there are obviously pieces of art and some ceremonies that I'm familiar with. The intimacy and the unique vantage that the photos make available is impressive. I'm glad to know a bit more about this crucial place.
December 13, 2024
A great book describing the Vatican as a city-state, collection of properties, and a place of historic and spiritual significance. Published in 1991 during the papacy of Pope John Paul II.
It describes the history of the Vatican, the construction of St Peter's Basilica, and much more with stunning photography.
Though dated, I recommend Catholics to read this and more importantly, see Vatican City like I did in 2018!
It describes the history of the Vatican, the construction of St Peter's Basilica, and much more with stunning photography.
Though dated, I recommend Catholics to read this and more importantly, see Vatican City like I did in 2018!
December 20, 2020
Great historical perspective and many through wonderful pictures
January 31, 2021
An interesting book
May 7, 2021
Excellent book full of just the right amount of information, with gorgeous photos.
October 4, 2023
Beautiful photos and interesting history
January 25, 2024
It is the best Nat Geo book I have ever read(that was not a picture-book like book)!
September 15, 2011
'By Peter's reckoning, God's days and man's millenia mingle here in a place that transcends time. Hours or centuries ago...'
Font & Words: Clear, Easy to read, Brief yet informative. Kept me interested.
'Time was when non communicants like me had uncertain access to the people of this holy place.'
Although first published in 1991, the concepts still remain the same. The book mostly consists of images. :) The images were well-selected, assisting with the elaboration of facts regarding the Holy See. Everything was simple, clear and captivating.
'No one in this small nation is considered a foreigner.'
Worthwhile for anyone to browse through in order to find even just a tad bit more about the Vatican. :]
I would never have imaged a state that employs half its people that would also have no privately owned real estate, no income taxes and no general elections. Plain incredible.
Font & Words: Clear, Easy to read, Brief yet informative. Kept me interested.
'Time was when non communicants like me had uncertain access to the people of this holy place.'
Although first published in 1991, the concepts still remain the same. The book mostly consists of images. :) The images were well-selected, assisting with the elaboration of facts regarding the Holy See. Everything was simple, clear and captivating.
'No one in this small nation is considered a foreigner.'
Worthwhile for anyone to browse through in order to find even just a tad bit more about the Vatican. :]
I would never have imaged a state that employs half its people that would also have no privately owned real estate, no income taxes and no general elections. Plain incredible.
April 7, 2014
Honestly! I expected more "inside" info or pictures...,
Well, I guess part of the problem is that I expected to see more of the "inside" information and pictures in this book. It is more of a picture book with a few notations and some small feature type articles, but nothing really mind-blowing. I thought there would be more pictures of the "never before seen", but it was not meant to be.
Still, it does have beautiful pictures of the Holy See. Not a total loss, it is very aesthetically pleasing.
Well, I guess part of the problem is that I expected to see more of the "inside" information and pictures in this book. It is more of a picture book with a few notations and some small feature type articles, but nothing really mind-blowing. I thought there would be more pictures of the "never before seen", but it was not meant to be.
Still, it does have beautiful pictures of the Holy See. Not a total loss, it is very aesthetically pleasing.
November 24, 2019
An impressive collection of amazing full page, color photographs (many of which are unavailable anywhere else) that bring the gorgeous architecture and art of the Vatican to life. I had been hoping for, as far as the text goes, more information about the Vatican's history and construction, but the author chose to focus mostly on the religion and Popes of the marvelous city-state.
Amazing, beautiful photographs.
Amazing, beautiful photographs.
August 30, 2016
A good National Geographic publication based upon privileged residence in the Vatican. Many of the photographs are memorable. The commentary is fairly superficial, but provides human interest and some interesting insights about this unique state. The strength of the book is its depiction of artistic and architectural glories.
January 16, 2016
Inside the Vatican by Bart McDowell (National Geographic Society Book Division 1991)(945.634) is one of the better NGS book guides. I found it informative and a feast for the eyes. My rating: 7/10, finished 3/8/11.
March 10, 2012
I knew I had to pick up this book as soon as I saw it at my school library. I have always been really interested, yet confused, about the Vatican. This answered all my questions and I loved the great photos, paintings and illustrations.
Read
June 26, 2015Very interesting up close and personal look inside the Vatican! Lots of facts and figures about the Catholic church and its 2000 year history. Definitely worth perusing, the pictures alone are worth it!
October 21, 2010
Lots of nice pictures, but not much text.
Read
December 3, 2011My time is such that I'm reduced to picture and pocket books. Are the Helvetica guards related to the font?
January 8, 2013
Lovely photos and fascinating look at the Vatican, both in the public areas and behind the scenes. I especially enjoyed the personal accounts by the photographer.
Read
December 30, 2013A very fascinating history of the Vatican. And if there was ever a book to look at just for the pictures, this is the one. The photography is stunning!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews