Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes »

Eamon Duffy, professor of the history of Christianity, and fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge, is also the author of The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England, 1400-1580 and The Voices of Morebath, both published by Yale University Press. 
 

This engrossing book encompasses the extraordinary history of the papacy, from its beginnings nearly two thousand years ago to the present day. In this new edition, the final chapter has been expanded to cover the last years of John Paul II and the election of Benedict XVI.
Praise for the earlier editions:
“[A] minor masterpiece which is everything good, popular history ought to be. . . . The most comprehensive single-volume history of the popes in print.”—John Adamson, Sunday Telegraph
“Duffy enlivens the long march through church history with anecdotes that bring the different pontiffs to life. . . .  Saints and Sinners is a remarkable achievement.”—Piers Paul Read, The Times (London) 
“Will fascinate anyone wishing to better understand the history of the Catholic Church and the forces that have shaped the role of the papacy.”—Gloria J. Tysl, Christian Century

Catholic News Service

The history of the papacy is a fascinating study whether you consider it theologically, politically, or economically. Duffy offers a masterful blending of all three in this beautiful book.