Encyclopedia of the Vatican and Papacy

(Hardback)

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Description

This comprehensive source book focuses on the Vatican from the Renaissance through the 1990s. Developments are studied within the broad context of European and world history. Crucial pre-Renaissance events are included as are entries on all of the popes, and the twenty-one councils from Nicea (325) to Vatican II (1962-1965). Alphabetically arranged, the entries provide valuable and often difficult-to-find information on the structure and organization of the church. While the emphasis remains on the interaction between the Vatican and Papal Institutions within the wider political, diplomatic, social and cultural world arena, theological questions are considered as well as the attitudes and reactions of the Vatican to key historical events, such as the French Revolution, Imperialism, World War I and II, the Ethiopian War, and the Holocaust. Entries on heresies and condemnations are included along with those on the Vatican reaction to various ideological movements such as Arianism, Jansenism, Gnosticism, Fascism, Racism, Marxism and Americanism. Entries address current issues such as the Papal position on social questions, abortion, homosexuality, liberation theology, and birth control. A valuable tool for Papal scholars and researchers, this informative encyclopedia provides, in one volume, a wealth of easily accessible information on the influence of the Papacy and the Vatican throughout the development of the modern world. In addition to complete listings on all of the popes and all of the councils, topics and individuals are thoroughly indexed.

Reviews

[A] clear and concise summary of the various topics which are diverse parts of the whole...the editor and authors are to be commended for their successful attempt to encourage the reader to continue to further research on the topic chosen.-The Catholic Historical Review
A useful one-volume history...-Religious Studies Review
I recommend strongly the Encyclopedia of the Vatican and Papacy for checking the facts, events, persons, places, and themes in the interplay of the popes and history. I also recommend the Encyclopedia as a means of tracking the work of the Holy Spirit in the development of western civilization through the office of Peter.-Providence: Studies in Western Civilization
In all, it is an excellent edition to any reference shelf on the popes and Vatican....Recommended for all libraries and the cost of a one volume encyclopedia makes it also affordable for home use in one's own private library collection.-American Reference Books Annual
Its breadth suits it for general reference collections as well as those with a special need for sources on Catholic history.-GaleGroup.com
Recommended for academic and large public libraries.-Catholic Library World
The entries are informative and readable.-School Library Journal
This difficult-to-find material will be appreciated by many high school libraries.-Pennsylvania School Librarian's Association
This encyclopedia is a timely and unique contribution to the reference literature about the papacy....The Encyclopedia of the Vatican and Papacy charts new ground in its treatment of the role of the Vatican and papacy in world and social affairs. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
This is a source of verified information on Vatican matters that will prove beneficial to students and scholars alike.-The Midwest Book Review
A useful one-volume history...Religious Studies Review
The entries are informative and readable.School Library Journal
"A clear and concise summary of the various topics which are diverse parts of the whole...the editor and authors are to be commended for their successful attempt to encourage the reader to continue to further research on the topic chosen."-The Catholic Historical Review
"[A] clear and concise summary of the various topics which are diverse parts of the whole...the editor and authors are to be commended for their successful attempt to encourage the reader to continue to further research on the topic chosen."-The Catholic Historical Review
"A useful one-volume history..."-Religious Studies Review
"In all, it is an excellent edition to any reference shelf on the popes and Vatican....Recommended for all libraries and the cost of a one volume encyclopedia makes it also affordable for home use in one's own private library collection."-American Reference Books Annual
"Its breadth suits it for general reference collections as well as those with a special need for sources on Catholic history."-GaleGroup.com
"Recommended for academic and large public libraries."-Catholic Library World
"The entries are informative and readable."-School Library Journal
"This difficult-to-find material will be appreciated by many high school libraries."-Pennsylvania School Librarian's Association
"This encyclopedia is a timely and unique contribution to the reference literature about the papacy....The Encyclopedia of the Vatican and Papacy charts new ground in its treatment of the role of the Vatican and papacy in world and social affairs. Recommended for academic and large public libraries."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
"This is a source of verified information on Vatican matters that will prove beneficial to students and scholars alike."-The Midwest Book Review
"I recommend strongly the Encyclopedia of the Vatican and Papacy for checking the facts, events, persons, places, and themes in the interplay of the popes and history. I also recommend the Encyclopedia as a means of tracking the work of the Holy Spirit in the development of western civilization through the office of Peter."-Providence: Studies in Western Civilization

Author Bio

FRANK J. COPPA is Professor of History, Director of the Doctoral Program in Modern World History, and Chair of the Vatican Symposium at St. John's University. He has published over a dozen volumes on Papal and Italian History. Among his monographs are biographies of Giovanni Giolitti, Pope Pius IX, Camillo di Cavour and Cardinal Ciacomo Antonelli.