Reviews for Absolute Monarchs
Library Journal
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Popular British historian and travel writer Norwich (A History of Venice) offers a readable, sweeping history of the papacy, concentrating on the role of the various popes in world politics, while treating little of the religious aspects of the papacy. In some cases, he follows the popular view with little notice that there are serious historians who hold a contrary opinion. While he seems to emphasize the more sordid tales of the papacy, there are some popes, such as Gregory the Great, for whom Norwich expresses the highest admiration. Some critical comments show a definite liberal slant, and Norwich is not afraid to express his personal opinion. There is a fascinating chapter on the Pope Joan legend, and Norwich offers his opinion on whether John Paul I was murdered. -VERDICT This lively if opinionated view of the political aspects of one of the most powerful positions in world history will appeal to history buffs. Eamon Duffy's more scholarly Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes treats more directly the papacy as a religious institution.--Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
From the disciple Peter to the reigning Benedict, accomplished British historian Norwich (The Middle Sea: A History of the Mediterranean, 2006, etc.) fashions a spirited, concise chronicle of the accomplishments of the most noteworthy popes.The author is comfortable navigating this vast terrain, which is essentially the history of Christianityand he even manages to make thenumbing litany of events palatable. Moreover, Norwich is not above questioning historical interpretation, such as over the controversy over John Paul I's death in 1978was he murdered? With Jesus' pronouncement to his disciple Simon, that "Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build my church," the leaders of the fledgling Christian church began to organize themselves. Norwich doesn't dwell on St. Paul, but subsequent church elders in the first two centuries CE were Levantinescentered in the Greek-speaking world of the eastern Mediterraneanworking to establish churches despite Roman persecution and mostly in Asia. The emperor Constantine's adoption of Christianity in the fourth century, and construction of a basilica dedicated to St. Peter on the Vatican Hill, boosted Christianity's profile enormously. However, marauding hordes laid waste to Rome over the centuries, and early popes had to solidify doctrine and orthodoxy, notably in the time of Gregory the Great and Leo II (who crowned Charlemagne). Norwich lingers over the schism between the Western and Eastern churches, the leaders of the Crusades, the seven popes who resided in Avignon, the rebuilding of the Roman Church during the Renaissance beginning under Nicholas V, the "monsters" (Alexander, Julius), the patrons of the arts (Leo X) and the rulers during the Counter-Reformation, who checked the tide of Protestantism. The author gracefully navigates through the challenges of the Age of Reason, revolution, the Risorgimento and the World Wars, examining the papal responsese.g., Pius XII's silence in the face of the persecution of the Jews.Norwich doesn't skirt controversies, ancient and present, in this broad, clear-eyed assessment.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Capturing the intrigue, inspiration, devotion, and scandal that surround the papacy, prolific writer and historian Norwich (A History of Venice) presents the stories of both the heroes and the rogues who have held this position of power over millions around the world. Instead of offering an encyclopedia about all the popes, Norwich recounts in vivid prose the more interesting tales and anecdotes of the pontiffs he considers more significant and what they meant to the politics, culture, and, of course, religion of the world in their times. He brings this fascinating history up-to-date with background on present-day Pope Benedict XVI and his efforts to cope with the global priest sex scandal. While epic in scope, Norwich's enthusiastic, informative text is superbly presented by AudioFile Earphones Award winner Michael Page's equally impressive, distinctly British narration that maintains listener interest throughout this densely packed, fascinating history that targets intelligent lay listeners. Essential for all university libraries supporting history curriculum. ["This lively if opinionated view of the political aspects of one of the most powerful positions in world history will appeal to history buffs," read the review of the New York Times best-selling Random hc, LJ 7/11.-Ed.]-Dale Farris, Groves, TX (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.
Today, many in the West view monarchy as an absurdity or, at best, a quaint anachronism. Yet, millions remain loyal to the oldest absolute monarchy in history, the papacy. Historian, travel writer, and television documentarian Norwich presents an excellent, often surprising history of that 2,000-year-old institution. As a self-describe. agnostic Protestant. he hasn't attempted a religious or doctrinal history. Rather, he focuses on political history as he traces the evolution of the papacy as an institution, while at the same time providing entertaining profiles of the most historically significant popes. He begins, naturally, with St. Peter and offers some fascinating speculations about the Petrine claim to th. keys to the kingdom. He views some pontiffs with admiration; for instance, Leo the Great, who courageously saved Rome from being sacked by the Huns. Others, such as Innocent III, he describes as ruthless power brokers. Norwich reserves special contempt for Pius XII, whom he characterizes as a virulent anti-Semite and moral coward for his refusal to actively oppose the Holocaust. An outstanding historical survey.--Freeman, Ja. Copyright 2010 Booklist
