Containing more than 2,000 entries in a handy alphabetical format, this provocative, illustrated book investigates the lively and entertaining history of the Vatican and its rulers.

The Pope Encyclopedia tells the complete and colorful story of the Holy See in one fact-filled volume. Matthew Bunson, author of The Vampire Encyclopedia (Crown, 1993), has carefully researched the men (and an occasional woman!) who have filled the shoes of the Fisherman. Besides original names, birth and death dates, and elec-tion histories of each pontiff, The Pope Encyclopedia reveals little-known facts about such mystery-shrouded institutions and rites as the Papal Medals, the Swiss Guard, and Papal Elections. Yet central to this book are the popes themselves. Unveiled at last are extraor-dinary facts about their daily routines, scandals, wars, scientific patronage even the trial of one pontiff's corpse conducted by his successor!

"Tu es Petrus!" For anyone interested in the startling history that links the Apostle Peter to John Paul II, this is essential reading.