The Papacy
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Book Overview
Bernhard Schimmelpfennig chronicles the institution of the papacy and its influence on the culture, politics, and economy throughout the decline of the Roman emparie, Byzantine rule, and the Middle Ages in his book, The Papacy. The full spectrum of the institutional Medieval Church is examined as Schimmelpfennig presents its evolution through liturgical, political, artistic, cultural, and economic developments, as well as social changes that occurred under the papacy's influence such as a revamping of marriage laws, housing construction, and food distribution.
Chapters cover the Roman congregation of the apostolic and post-apostolic eras (110-113 CE) through the time of Constantine the Great (r. 310-337), onto the papacy at the peak of its power (1198-1303), and finally ending with the papacy of the Renaissance (1447-1534). A salient feature of the book is the new light shed on Rome as the physical setting of the Vatican and the marked influence it has had on the papacy. For example, the vast papal construction projects of the late fifteenth century demonstrate the papal power exerted over the Roman civic administration.Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0231075154
ISBN13:9780231075152
Release Date:April 1992
Publisher:Columbia University Press
Length:338 Pages
Weight:1.30 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 5.9" x 9.0"
Grade Range:Postsecondary and higher
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Eminently readable introduction to the medieval Papacy
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Schimmelpfennig provides the lay reader - and the historian - with a guide that is both accessible and relatively detailed on what is to most an obscure subject. At his best when discussing the political interactions between the papacy and the Carolingian/Holy Roman empires, this book opened up my interest in a host of contemporary issues, from the schism to the Cathar heresy. Good reading.PS - A must if you are a fan of Umberto Eco
FANTASTIC RESOURCE
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This book is a phenomenal resource for any inquisitive mind desiring to delve into the brilliant panoply of the history of the Roman Catholic Church, and in specific that of its greatest and founding institution: The Papacy. The author's narrative and flowing literary style makes it a joy to read and indeed this book needs no pictures or illustrations whatsoever, so vibrant is the written word. I highly recommend it to any and all who are looking for a thorough, well-written and researched, and easily-digested history. One of the best books available today in the area of papal history.
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