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The Bad Popes

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The Bad Popes

By: E.R. Chamberlin
Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
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About this listen

A dramatic account of some of the most notorious figures of medieval and Renaissance history who ruled from the Eternal City. It is sure to grip fans of John Julius Norwich, Tom Holland, and Peter Ackroyd.

The papal tiara has been worn by a number of infamous men through the course of its history.

Some have been accused of murder, many have had mistresses, while others sold positions in the church to their followers or gave land and wealth to their illegitimate children.

E. R. Chamberlin examines the lives of eight of the most controversial popes to have ruled over the Holy See, from the reign of Pope Stephen VI, who had his predecessor exhumed, put on trial and thrown in the Tiber, in the ninth century, through to Pope Clement VII, the second Medici pope, whose failed international policy led to the Sack of Rome in 1527.

The Bad Popes explains how during these six centuries the papal monarchy rose to its greatest heights, as popes attempted to assert not only their spiritual authority but also their temporal power, only for it to come crashing down.

©1969 The Estate of E.R. Chamberlin (P)2020 Tantor Christianity Europe Renaissance Pope Italy Rome Crusade Roman Catholicism

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All stars
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Had the potential to be a bit dull but was full of personalities, colour and background so you got a real sense of the time. Well worth a listen

Really interesting

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Having read John Julius, it is instructive to get the political and cultural background in depth, although I had expected more of the venalities it was edifying to realise how ultimately unnecessary they seemed in context. I had hoped for a bit of fun but actually come away perhaps a little wiser. Great book, well read.

Serious stuff, not too many laughs! Great book.

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Insight into some of the more depraved, controversial, and unfortunate pope’s, and the world surrounding them. I only really knew about 2 of the 7 brought up, but massively interesting. The Vatican and Papal history is full of fascinating tales and people, both politically but also as individuals. I really enjoyed this audiobook.

Mighty fascinating.

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Incredible research and insight into some fascinating characters. I really enjoyed this. No wonder there was a Reformation. Excellent narration as always for Patterson.

Absolutely fascinating

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Really fascinating insights into seven popes between the 10th and 16th centuries who were entwined in vice and political power. Extremely high quality research and analysis. The biographies are exceptionally written and their relevance to each other and Italian history as a whole are seamlessly woven.

Fascinating history

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A pleasure to listen to . Incredible stories and insights described at the perfect pace . Excellent from start to finish

A brilliantly interesting and fascinating book

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Corruption and vice galore, whilst astonishing as the events of early Christian Rome are startling, I’m not sure I’ll ever return the facts. And there are many of them, well delivered and precise. Don’t expect a Netflix style account, but by today’s standards, any one of these Popes would scandalise the world.

A dry read but fascinating all the same

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I enjoyed listening and will go back to it again. well done. Historically factule

Really informative

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Quite an enjoyable listen. Well read and the context well presented. Just wish it had elaborated on the very early Popes a bit more.

The Bad Popes

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excellently written, engaging and balanced. really good performance. this took me by surprise and I d recommend it to anyone interested in the papacy in history

a gem

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