Ecclesiastical and Political History of the Popes of Rome

Delve into the fascinating world of the papacy with Ecclesiastical and Political History of the Popes of Rome by Leopold von Ranke. This compelling volume, published by Cambridge University Press in 2011, spans an impressive 606 pages and offers a thorough exploration of the papacy during one of its most turbulent periods.

Ranke meticulously draws on a wealth of manuscript and primary sources from across Europe to narrate and contextualize the fortunes of the papacy. In this volume, he focuses on the Counter-Reformation, a pivotal movement that reshaped the religious landscape of Europe, and notably introduces the term "Counter-Reformation" to the English language. This book is essential for anyone interested in understanding the historical complexities of the papacy and its enduring influence on European history.