Vatican: A Private Visit to a Secret World
Description
- 242 pages
- 200 illustrations
- English language
- Released in December 2022
- Handcrafted volume in a velvet clamshell case with metal plate tip-on
-
Complimentary white gloves and a signature canvas tote bag are included with each purchase from Assouline's Ultimate Collection
Dimensions: W 15.7 x L 19 x D 3.2 in
More than just an enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is a complex city-state that for many people still conjures up notions of secrecy. The Vatican has always exercised powers of fascination and seduction over us, with its history stretching back nearly twenty centuries, its spirituality, its scandals and its enigmas. As a fantasy world, it has inspired cinematic visions from Federico Fellini’s Roma to Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather: Part III and Paolo Sorrentino’s The New Pope. But what is the real Vatican?
With nearly three hundred popes and antipopes, not to mention a fictitious female pope, among these figures there are a few saints and many sinners. To borrow an ancient image, the Vatican is like Noah’s Ark, containing animals of all kinds, both pure and impure. From the Roman Catholic Church’s earliest developments under Emperor Constantine, to the notorious popes who nevertheless cultivated the artistic flowering of the Renaissance, to modern-day pontiffs who must navigate the media and issues of social and political sensitivity, the Vatican has endured through historical upheavals and religious schisms, acquiring an unprecedented level of prestige and carving out a presence for itself on the diplomatic stage.
Illustrated with archival images and dramatic photography, this handcrafted Ultimate Collection volume features insightful texts by renowned journalist Caroline Pigozzi, a specialist in Vatican history, and historian Giovanni Maria Vian, former editor in chief of L’Osservatore Romano newspaper, revealing hidden stories that have unfolded within these labyrinthine corridors.
With nearly three hundred popes and antipopes, not to mention a fictitious female pope, among these figures there are a few saints and many sinners. To borrow an ancient image, the Vatican is like Noah’s Ark, containing animals of all kinds, both pure and impure. From the Roman Catholic Church’s earliest developments under Emperor Constantine, to the notorious popes who nevertheless cultivated the artistic flowering of the Renaissance, to modern-day pontiffs who must navigate the media and issues of social and political sensitivity, the Vatican has endured through historical upheavals and religious schisms, acquiring an unprecedented level of prestige and carving out a presence for itself on the diplomatic stage.
Illustrated with archival images and dramatic photography, this handcrafted Ultimate Collection volume features insightful texts by renowned journalist Caroline Pigozzi, a specialist in Vatican history, and historian Giovanni Maria Vian, former editor in chief of L’Osservatore Romano newspaper, revealing hidden stories that have unfolded within these labyrinthine corridors.
Concierge Promise
Our concierge promise ensures the ultimate luxury experience.
We understand the importance of finding the perfect piece for your home or the most thoughtful gift for your loved one.
To ensure your satisfaction, we offer fast, free shipping on just about everything and secure payment and delivery options. We offer luxury gift wrapping at checkout.
We provide excellent, friendly customer support via email or phone at concierge@maisonandtavola.com and (713) 307-8888.
Lastly, we gladly accept returns within 30 days of purchase as long as they meet the guidelines of our return policy.
Vatican: A Private Visit to a Secret World
Sale price$1,877.47