The Glory of Christendom

A History of Christendom #3

by Warren H. Carroll

This series is the only comprehensive narration of Western history written from the orthodox Catholic perspective still in print. How would a historical narrative read if the author began with these first principles: Truth exists; the Incarnation happened? This series is essential reading for those who consider the West worth defending.

Genres: History, Catholic, Religion, Christian History, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian

782 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1993

About the author

Dr. Warren H. Carroll was a leading conservative Catholic historian and author, and the founder of Christendom College.

Reviews

[Leila Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I finally finished this massive book. It was very good, but as with his other books I have some complaints about the layout. It really would benefit from subheadings so that I know what exact historical event he is going to talk about instead of finding out after several pages. Summaries would be useful too. And it definitely needs maps.

[Erik]

Included in the "History and Culture" section of Fr. John McCloskey's 100-book Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan.

Listed by Patrick Madrid in the Reading Plan of Search and Rescue in Phase 3 (Advanced). ("perhaps the best available today in English")

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE THIRD OF CARROLL'S SIX VOLUMES, COVERING 1100-1521

Warren H. Carroll (1932-2011) was a leading conservative Catholic historian and author, and the founder of Christendom College; he was a convert to Catholicism in 1968. Previously, he had also served as an analyst in the CIA's anti-communism division, and he also served on the staff of Congressman John G. Schmitz. This third volume was first published in 1993. The next volume in this series is 'The Cleaving of Christendom, 1517-1661 (vol. 4).'

Of some Crusaders, Carroll laments, "The whole history of Christendom shows no more shameful spectacle. Were THESE crusaders, men and women to bear the Cross to Jerusalem? Would God leave Jerusalem in THEIR hands? By comparison, (the Muslim general) Saladin was a pillar of justice. It is not surprising that in the end... the faithless crusaders died screaming for water in the blazing July sun..." (Pg. 122) Of the siege of Constantinople of 1204, Carroll wrote, "The sack that followed was one of the worst in all of history... No man, woman, or child was safe from the ravagers... for this to have been done by ... men actually wearing the Cross of Christ was---an ineffaceable disgrace." (Pg. 157)

He concludes that "The move of the Popes to Avignon in France... was a grave error of judgment, though not the unmitigated evil excoriated by Petrarch." (Pg. 355) Of the Great Schism he observes, "Nothing could have brought the spiritual weapon of excommunication... into greater disrepute. It was one of the darkest hours in the history of the papacy." (Pg. 451) Nevertheless, "Christendom still remained a unity, despite the Great Schism. (Pg. 455) But he adds, "so many of the Church's best had lost sight of... who the true Pope was... he was beginning to be seen more as another Renaissance prince than as head of the Church Christ founded." (Pg. 599)

He admits that the torture of the Spanish Inquisition "cannot be defended---though they were by no means evils unique to the Inquisition or to Spain." (Pg. 608) The "seven children fathered by Rodrigo Borgia (who became Pope Alexander VI) while a Cardinal are indubitable historical fact." (Pg. 639) Leo X said upon his election, "God has given us the Papacy; now let us enjoy it." (Pg. 712) He ends this volume with Martin Luther, concluding, "The glory of united Christendom was over; its cleaving had begun." (Pg. 713)

Those wanting a strongly "conservative" Catholic interpretation of Christian history will find Carroll's series compelling (and reassuring).

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this took me over three years to get through, it's not from a lack of readability or interest in the work. It really is quite sweeping in its scope and would hold it's place on my shelves just for a reference work due to its incredibly detailed bibliography and indexes. But I've encountered very few "reference works" that are quite so engaging to read straight through. My only wish was that it was divided up into more subchapters or sections to make reading a little more approachable. Hopefully I'll make it through the next in the series in a little more timely manner.

[Patrick Santino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another epic done, unfortunately this volume was not quite as good as the second one for me for two board reasons. Over that time my academic and intellectual capabilities expanded, which affected the way I absorbed the book, as I shall discuss below. The second reason is simply because the historical content of this volume was not as fun and epic as the second. In fact, at points it is depressing and exhausting how politically entangled the Church becomes. Still, I highly enjoyed the volume as usual, and I will have many compliments to praise upon it in towards the end of this review.

[Ryan Mumford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read and resource, the many books cited will be future reading for years to come.

[booklady]

An excellent resource for those undertaking a study of our Western heritage -- especially if you want to be sure to be true to its Christian foundations -- or just to have on hand for reference. Wonderful to just pick up and read in sections as well.

I just learned there are a total of seven volumes in this series; I only have the first three.

[Brendan Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the books in this series are phenomenal. Dr. Carroll takes a narrative approach to history that draws the reader in, making them feel as if they are actually there reliving the events of the past. A must read!

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting series that tells history with a christian emphasis. I am following the published booklist of a course list of a Christian College. Why? Curiosity. I do not agree with everything, but I find the differences interesting and sometimes maddening.

[Magorzata Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

insigtfull.good.