Absolute Monarchs

Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy chronicles the complete lineage of Catholic popes from Saint Peter through Benedict XVI. This comprehensive work by historian John Julius Norwich examines the political, religious, and social contexts that shaped each papal reign. The book presents both the institutional achievements and personal histories of the papacy's most influential figures. Norwich balances historical documentation with analysis of key decisions and power dynamics that determined the Catholic Church's trajectory through time. The narrative covers periods of papal triumph as well as eras of corruption, conflict, and controversy within the Vatican. While maintaining historical accuracy, Norwich includes relevant details about the personalities, relationships, and motivations that influenced papal governance across the centuries. This history reveals recurring patterns in the relationship between religious and secular power, illustrating how the papacy has continuously adapted to maintain its central role in Western civilization. The work raises broader questions about the nature of authority and the complex intersection of faith, politics, and human nature.

Readers praise Norwich's engaging writing style and ability to present complex papal history in an accessible way. Many note his talent for incorporating memorable anecdotes and character details that bring the popes to life. Common criticisms focus on the book's uneven coverage - some popes receive extensive treatment while others are barely mentioned. Several readers point out factual errors and note that Norwich occasionally prioritizes entertaining stories over historical accuracy. Multiple reviews mention the book works better as a casual introduction rather than a scholarly resource. Critical reviews highlight Norwich's apparent bias against certain popes and time periods, with some calling his tone "dismissive" of medieval Christianity. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (280+ ratings) "Like listening to a knowledgeable uncle tell fascinating historical tales" - Goodreads review "Entertaining but unreliable as a serious history" - Amazon review "Perfect intro for beginners, too surface-level for experts" - LibraryThing review

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🔸 The author, John Julius Norwich (1929-2018), was actually a British diplomat before becoming a celebrated historian, and wrote extensively about Venice, Byzantium, and the Mediterranean. 🔸 During the period covered in the book, there were three simultaneous popes during the Western Schism (1378-1417), each claiming to be the true leader of the Catholic Church. 🔸 Pope Joan, whose story of being a female pope in the 9th century is explored in the book, is now considered by historians to be a medieval legend, though the tale persisted for centuries. 🔸 The book details how Pope Pius XII's actions during World War II remain one of the most debated aspects of papal history, with ongoing controversy about his response to the Holocaust. 🔸 The work reveals that Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia) had four acknowledged children while pope, including the infamous Lucrezia and Cesare Borgia, marking one of the most notorious papacies in history.