Pope John Paul II.: The Biography

by Tad Szulc and Szulc Tad

Book Overview

Pope John Paul II is one of the pivotal figures of this century, the spiritual head of more than one billion believers and a world statesman of immense stature and influence. Yet, at the age of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684804166
• ISBN13: 9780684804163
• Release Date: April 1995
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 542 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

A Great Biography

This book was a biography about Pope John Paul II. It included many interesting facts about the pope. Some of the information in the book is that his name before becoming pope was Karol Wojtyla. He was born on Tuesday, May 18, 1920. He was born in the town of Wadowice, in Poland. His whole family died by the time he was 22. He became pope on October 16, 1978. One thing that I like about Tad Szulc's biography is that he gives a great background of one of the most famous men in the Catholic Church. Most of the things Szulc discusses in the biography I never knew about. The book takes the reader through Karol Wojtyla's life from his birth until now. It shows how the pope had an incredibly difficult life. Another thing about the book that I like is that it shows how the pope's past experiences and upbringing affect the man he is today. The book doesn't just throw out facts it also show's how Karol Wojtyla's past experiences have shaped his opinions and attitudes, and characteristics. What I didn't like the book was that it was full of positive comments about the pope, but no criticism. Even though I agree with the author about what a great man the pope is, to others it may appear that Szulk ignored any negative information about the pope. I realize that he was a very moral and respectable person growing up, but everyone does at least one minor thing wrong during their upbringing, like being mischievous or causing trouble. The book does not mention anything that Wojtyla has ever done wrong. It makes him seem like he is without sin. Despite some minor complaints about the book, I think it was an excellent biography.

Perhaps the most brilliant biography of the 20th century

This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the life of one of the greatest and most influential popes ever, John Paul II. Through the author's exceptional work, we get to know the man who became John Paul II, and relive his early heartbreaks and triumphs. From Nazi occupied Poland to the modern day Vatican, all significant events are detailed and discussed. This is a biography to be reread time and again.

A BEAUTIFUL MUST READ FOR PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS

Pope John Paul II has revolutionized the Papacy, stripping away much of the secrecy and making the Pope, for the first time in history, a Shepherd available to his flock. Although I thought this book leaned a little too heavily on Poland and Polish history, I will give in and say it enhanced my understanding of this complex and charismatic Pope. A very thorough biolgraphy with fascinating looks at behind-the-scenes-politics in Vatican City. Because of John Paul II's impact, he gets my vote as Man of the Century and I recommend this book as a must read for people of any faith.

Pope John Paul II, this is not your ordinary man or story...

Learn insightful stories not found in other related books. Pope John Paul II - The Biography by Tad Szulc, is no ordinary piece of work. Written by no ordinary man, Szulc beautifully shows how important this man, Pope John Paul II, is to world politics in this millenium and for the next millenium. An Excellent Choice and Must Read!

An in-depth study of a fascinating man

Picking this book up at my parents house over Christmas for a holiday getaway proved to be quite enjoyable. Szulc parallels Polish history with the life of Pope John Paul II to give one a better feel for the roots of this twentieth century leader of multitudes. Szulc brings out the struggles and deep pains of his childhood along with his joys and friendships that would profoundly affect his views and writings later in life. Szulc takes the reader through the holocaust, his school and acting days, up to his election to the papacy and throughout up to 1994. Whether you are a fan of John Paul II or not, Catholic, Protestant or Jew, I think you will find this book an insightful look into a fascinating man. Conservative or liberal...I highly recommend this work.