The Popes: A History 

John Julius Norwich’s The Popes: A History offers a sweeping account of the papacy, tracing its journey from apostolic beginnings to the resignation of Benedict XVI. Published by Penguin and narrated in its audio edition by Michael Jayston, this work targets a general audience while maintaining historical depth worthy of academic consideration.

Norwich employs a chronological structure, guiding readers through 2,000 years of papal history. His approach leans more on description and storytelling than on critical analysis, favoring readability over scholarly rigor. With expertise in Byzantine and Mediterranean history, Norwich provides insightful perspectives on ecclesiastical politics. However, his secular and often agnostic vantage point distinguishes the book from traditional Church-centered historiography.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to contextualize the papacy within the shifting dynamics of European history. Norwich skillfully connects papal actions to broader geopolitical changes, offering particular depth when exploring the Renaissance and Reformation eras. These chapters vividly illustrate the papacy’s entanglement with power, diplomacy, and, at times, corruption. However, Norwich’s secular lens occasionally results in overly simplified portrayals, prioritizing scandal and intrigue over spiritual or theological dimensions.

Given the vast historical scope, the book’s depth is uneven. While certain pontificates—especially those of lesser-known medieval popes—receive only brief mention, significant theological developments, such as the doctrine of papal infallibility or the decisions of the Second Vatican Council, are acknowledged but not deeply explored. Despite these limitations, The Popes: A History serves as an engaging and accessible introduction to the complexities of the papacy. Norwich’s clear, often witty prose and his gift for narrative history ensure that readers remain captivated throughout the book’s expansive timeline.

While not a scholarly treatise, The Popes succeeds as a well-crafted synthesis of popular and academic history. Those seeking in-depth theological analysis or extensive engagement with primary sources may find it lacking. Yet, as a broad survey written for a general audience, Norwich’s work is a compelling entry point into the political and cultural dimensions of the papacy—delivered by a historian who excels at bringing the past to life.