The Vatican and the Holy See

The History and Legacy of the Roman Catholic Church's Governing Body

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: Colin Fluxman

Every year, millions visit a stunning circuit board city starring gorgeous collections of interconnected rectangular buildings and charming houses in shades of beige, sandy-brown, and other earthy tones. Zoom in a little closer, and one can see the Renaissance-style exterior of its buildings and the exquisite detail captured in the statues mounted on the tops of its palaces and cathedrals. Take a gander through the doors inside these historic places, and one enters a whole new world even more mesmerizing than the view of the city bathed in the peach and purple tints of sunset. Nested inside Rome, this spellbinding destination is none other than Vatican City.

The Vatican is an enchanting backdrop often found in literature, music, and the shimmering silver screen for good reason. Of course, being the smallest independent sovereignty in the world at just 44 hectares is a selling point that only scratches the surface. As the centuries-old home of the Catholic Church, its engrossing, eventful history, not to mention the rich and varied artwork and architecture contained within, ensures the influence and importance of the Vatican far surpasses its size.

©2017 Charles River Editors (P)2017 Charles River Editors

I can’t call this history

This could be great. The subject is great.

At first he praises the church at the expense of the Roman Emperors. Then he talks as though there wasn’t an Orthodox Church. Later, he speaks well of Protestants. But then…

Some good historians need to review and revise the text or Charles River Editors should replace this text with a more correct text.

I generally like Charles River Editors’ books. This book disappoints me.