The Oxford Dictionary of Popes

While this is a chronological listing of all the Popes (including the anti-Popes) with brief biographical details, The Oxford Dictionary of Popes reads at times like a rollercoaster novel, with plenty of salacious details.

With the Avignon schism at one stage you had three Popes running around, which could cause great financial stress to nobleman who were forced to entertain them at length. That would have been annoying.

I have to say I had a hard time attempting to choose my favourite Pope, although at a pinch I would state the chap that reigned for but an hour or so during a pitched battle and possibly wasn't even aware he was Pope during that time.

A dictionary, so as such, not a book you read, though a well-laid out and evenhanded look at all of the heirs to St. Peter, as well as the Apostle himself. It would be interesting to see an updated entry on St. John Paul II, as well as Pius XII (given the recent shots taken at that pontiff). Pity there aren't illustrations.

Very useful and surprisingly readable.

Except for the inclusion of the Vatican II anti-Popes, this book is a wonderful source for information about the Vicars of Christ's Church.

This reflects the popes from a non Catholic perspective.

Summary:"This Who's Who gives an up-to-date biographical account of every pope in history - from St Peter to John Paul II - in chronological order. It also covers their irregularly elected rivals, the 'antipopes', and an appendix discusses the tradition that there has been a female pope." "Each entry covers family, social background, pre-papal career, activities in office, and includes further reading."--Jacket

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