Pope John Paul II
by Tad Szulc
On This Page
Description
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 seventy-six and in the eighteenth year of his papacy, he remains a mystery -- theologically, politically, and personally. Now, through unprecedented access to both the Pope himself and those close to him, veteran New York Times correspondent, and award-winning author Tad Szulc delivers the definitive show more biography of John Paul II. This strikingly intimate portrait highlights the Polishness that shapes the Pope's mysticism and pragmatism, while providing a behind-the-scenes look at the significant events of his public and private life, including the inside story of the negotiations involving John Paul II, Soviet President Gorbachev, and General Jaruzelski of Poland that led to Poland's and Eastern Europe's transition from communism to democracy, John Paul II's secret diplomacy, which resulted in the establishment of relations between the Holy See and Israel, and the never-before-told story of how the Polish communist regime helped to "make" Karol Wojtyla an archbishop, the key step on his road to the papacy. Fascinating and thought provoking, this biography of Pope John Paul II is vital reading not only for Roman Catholics, but for anyone interested in one of the most important figures of our time. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
2811 Pope John Paul II: The Biography, by Tad Szulc (read 24 Dec 1995) Some of this book was very interesting, but the recent years of this pontificate concern me. I am disturbed by some of the Pope's rigidity--forbidding even discussion of women priests seems far out. Certainly a new Pope will be more flexible in some things. But I presume we'll see a new century before we see a new Pope. [These are my recorded reactions to the book--which I have not edited in inserting this "review."]
Advisory:
This biography of Pope John Paul II is written from a general, secular historical perspective rather than a specifically Catholic theological framework. While it provides a detailed and engaging portrait of his life and influence, it is not intended as Catholic doctrinal teaching or magisterial commentary. It is included in the parish library because of its focus on the life and global impact of a recent and influential pope, but readers should supplement it with Catholic‑authored works and primary sources to gain a fuller understanding of his theology and teachings.
This biography of Pope John Paul II is written from a general, secular historical perspective rather than a specifically Catholic theological framework. While it provides a detailed and engaging portrait of his life and influence, it is not intended as Catholic doctrinal teaching or magisterial commentary. It is included in the parish library because of its focus on the life and global impact of a recent and influential pope, but readers should supplement it with Catholic‑authored works and primary sources to gain a fuller understanding of his theology and teachings.
Have read through it two times. Great read and history review of many things I was unaware of during his tenure as Pope.
SSJP parishioner
SSJP parishioner
Copy 2 is located on shelf SAINTS (S2 JohP)
Copy 1 is located on shelf POPES (P1 JohP)
Ratings
Members
- Recently Added By
Author Information
33+ Works 1,006 Members
Tad Szulc, July 25, 1926 - May 21, 2001 Tadeusz Witold Szulc was born on July 25, 1926 to Seweryn and Janina Szulc in Warsaw, Poland. When his parents emigrated to Brazil in the mid 30's, Tad went to Le Rosey, a Swiss boarding school. In 1941. Szulc followed his family to Brazil and studied at the University of Brazil from 1943 to 1945. After show more attending school, Szulc was hired as a reporter for The Associated Press in Rio. In 1949, he arrived in New York to cover the UNited Nations for United Press International until 1953. He was then hired by the New York Times to the night rewrite desk, where he later became managing editor. He also wrote an occasional piece entitled Times Talk where Szulc discussed life in general and his various travels. Szulc was a foreign correspondent with the New York Times from 1953 to 1972. He was the first reporter to discover the beginnings of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, he covered revolutions and cold war intrigue, and generally always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to get the story. In his later years, Szulc wrote 20 books. consisting of foreign policy and politics and the many scenarios he had witnessed. He wrote biographies of both Pope John Paul II and Fidel Castro, as well as "Chopin in Paris: The Life and Times of the Romantic Composer" and "The Illusion of Peace: Foreign Policy in the Nixon Years." After retiring from the Times, Szulc wrote freelance books and articles, including "Twilight of the Tyrants." Tad Szulc died at his home on May 21, 2001 of cancer. He was 74. show less
Common Knowledge
- People/Characters
- Pope John Paul II
Classifications
- Genres
- Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir, History, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 282.092 — Religion Christian denominations Roman Catholic Church Catholic Biography And History Biography
- LCC
- BX1378.5 .S98 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion Christian Denominations Christian Denominations Catholic Church History
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 425
- Popularity
- 72,501
- Reviews
- 5
- Rating
- (4.00)
- Languages
- 5 — Dutch, English, German, Hungarian, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 18
- ASINs
- 6
