Beginning with How the Irish Saved Civilization and continuing most recently with Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea and Mysteries of the Middle Ages, Thomas Cahill s Hinges of History series has edified a new generation of nonfiction lovers. Now this gifted expositor of history and religion offers a defining portrait of il papa buono the good pope who, within the 2000 years of papal history, changed the Catholic Church dramatically during his brief reign between 1958 and 1963. From his humble Italian peasant roots to his signature accomplishment the Second Vatican Council, opening the church doors to the contemporary world this vivid work will captivate Catholics and non-Catholics alike for its insightful look at a complex and unlikely hero.