The Modern Papacy Since 1789 (Longman History of the Papacy)

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: This is a great appraisal of a difficult period faced by the Papacy--the modern period. Coppa steers clear of following a "liberal" or a "conservative" approach (all too common in works of this kind) to the role of the Papacy in the modern world. He sticks to the facts and presents the questions and controversies in an unbiased style, for which he should be commended. And he does so in a very readable "I couldn't put it down" style.

The book is arranged chronologically, with an afterward containing an assessment of the continually evolving role of the various popes and the office they held during the period covered.
The only--marginal--drawback is the lack of illustrations, apart from several maps.