Inside the Vatican

From School Library Journal
YA-- One of the most impressive books published by the National Geographic Society. Its large format highlights the superb photographs: views of the buildings, people, grounds, and art treasures that most readers will have never seen before. With its combination of readable text and outstanding pictures, it's the next best thing to being there.&-Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Book News, Inc.
A stunning tour through the extravagant Vatican: the Pope's private apartments and chapel; the necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica; the community that flourishes within the Vatican walls; St. Peter's and the Vatican museums; the history of the sacred city-state; and the private side of the reigning Pope, John Paul II. Approximately 150 color photos by James L. Stanfield. The deluxe edition features embossed leatherette cover, gilt-edged pages, and a satin ribbon place marker. The regular edition (unseen by Reference and Research Book News) is priced at $29.95. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Book Description
"I was given the rare opportunity to lift the veil of privacy for a privileged look inside the Vatican," writes photographer James L. Stanfield in his foreword to this book.For nearly a year, seven days a week, Stanfield photographed virtually every corner of the 108.7-acre enclave that is both the world's smallest nation and the center of the world's largest religious body, the Roman Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II, the Roman Curia, the color and pomp of centuries-old ceremonies, the wondrous art and architecture, the daily lives of ordinary citizens -- all are part of Stanfield's unprecedented coverage.Author Bart McDowell guides you through this extraordinary place. He begins with a historical perspective, going back to ancient times when the area, known as the Vaticanus, was a marshland infamous for snakes and malaria. In the fourth century, Emperor Constantine built a great basilica there, the first St. Peter's; around it grew a settlement that would become home to the popes and territorial base of the church for most of its succeeding history.In subsequent chapters, McDowell explains the workings of the Holy See, the church's labyrinthine government. He introduces many of the people who make their living in the Vatican. And he takes you into one of the world's great collections of paintings, sculpture, manuscripts, and other treasures. In a final chapter he presents the modern popes, particularly the charismatic John Paul II.Through beautiful and exclusive photographs and revealing text, Inside the Vatican celebrates a small, dynamic community unique in the world.


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A stunning tour through the extravagant Vatican: the Pope's private apartments and chapel; the necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica; the community that flourishes within the Vatican walls; St. Peter's and the Vatican museums; the history of the sacred city-state; and the private side of the reigning Pope, John Paul II. Approximately 150 color photos by James L. Stanfield. The deluxe edition features embossed leatherette cover, gilt-edged pages, and a satin ribbon place marker. The regular edition (unseen by Reference and Research Book News) is priced at $29.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)


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