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Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

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Book of the Week: John Julius Norwich - The Popes

Book of the Week: John Julius Norwich - The Popes: Episode 2

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The Popes

Episode 2

John Julius Norwich - The Popes

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, John Julius Norwich - The Popes, Episode 2

Nicholas Breakspear was the only English pope - elected into tumultuous 12th-century Rome.

In the 12th century of Frederick Barbarossa and civil uprising in Rome, an Englishman is elected Pope for the first and only time - Nicholas Breakspear, Hadrian IV.

Well known for his histories of Norman Sicily, Venice, the Byzantine Empire and the Mediterranean, John Julius Norwich has now turned his attention to the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter himself - traditionally (though by no means historically) the first pope - to the present day.

Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable iniquity.

John Julius Norwich continues his history of the papacy today with a period of immense political turmoil. In 1152 Frederick Barbarossa became King of the Romans - determined to take his place as successor to the great Charlemagne. At the same time the Norman King William of Sicily harboured expansionist ambitions and in Rome the threat of civil war simmered. In the middle stood the only English pope in the Papacy's history: Nicholas Breakspear, Hadrian IV.

Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.

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John Julius Norwich reads his history tracing the papal line down the centuries

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