The Throne Of Peter: A History of the Papacy

by Roy MacGregor-Hastie

From Simon Peter, 33-67 A.D., to Pope Paul VI, the author presents the 260 men who have sat on The Throne of Peter. In a single volume of lucid prose, he covers the national and regional origins of the Popes, the political activities of the period, the money problems, family backgrounds, education, election procedures, information about the curia, plus a final chapter on the modernization of the Church and some possible turns this may take in the future. Since the Popes are shown in perspective, a colorful, intriguing picture of Italian history emerges, making this not only fascinating reading, but a valuable reference book as well.

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Mgb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short history of the popes has the imprimatur of the Archbishop of Boston. Even with this and trying to put as good a light on the papacy as possible, some parts of this history are bleak and bizarre involving murders, politics, witchcraft and other behaviors which do not shine brightly on the Catholic Church. It is filled with tidbits that make you wonder about ‘the rest of the story.’ Fascinating.