Making of the Popes 1978 : The Politics of Intrigue in the Vatican

By Andrew M. Greeley

Book Overview

"The book is essential to any modern understanding of papal politics, and not a bad book to read for understanding politics in general." -- Garry Wills, author of Inventing America and Bare Ruined... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0836231007
• ISBN13: 9780836231007
• Release Date: January 1970
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.

Customer Reviews

researcher review

Excellent document. in 2008 can be considered a little old. But still good archival work.

a book of facts

This book contains one of the truest accounts of the facts surrounding the mysterious death of John Paul I. I havce read all of the books about his death and except for Lucien Gregoire's "Murder in the Vatican" it has the best overall account. The latter, of course, is the most comprehensive and factual record of all of the circumstances surrounding the Pope's death.

Back in print soon?

I desperately hope this book is back in print soon, or Greenley writes a sequel because this is one of the most facinating books I've ever read. Greenley brings the characters and the politics behind the two conclaves of 1978 to life in such an entertaining style. Probably few people would guess that a book about electing popes would be such a page turner, but I had difficulty putting it down when I started reading it. Facinating and very funny at times. My favorite moment has to be when the author is in St. Peter's square when the new pope's name is announced. Greeney's wonder at the election of a Polish pope leaps accross the years and grabs you in an amazing way. I highly recommend this book to anyone even marginally interested in the subject. I just hope it will be back on the presses soon!