The Popes of Avignon: A Century in Exile

by Edwin Mullins

Overview

This narrative history masterfully weaves together the sweeping events surrounding the so-called “Babylonian captivity” of the popes into the broader story of 14th-century Europe, a turbulent time of transition between Middle Ages and Renaissance when seven successive popes resided in Avignon in the south of France.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781933346328
Publisher:	BlueBridge
Publication date:	02/01/2011
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	603,172
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Edwin Mullins is an Oxford-educated writer, journalist, and filmmaker who has published numerous books on architecture and the visual arts, including Cluny and The Pilgrimage to Santiago. He lives part of the year near Avignon.

What People are Saying About This

Michael Frassetto

An excellent introduction to a critical period in the history of medieval Europe and the church. Mullins provides a well-balanced and sympathetic treatment of popes often denigrated for their lack of piety. (Michael Frassetto, author, The Great Medieval Heretics)

Ross King

Describes one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of the Middle Ages. . . . This is history made thoroughly evocative and engaging. (Ross King, author, Brunelleschi's Dome)

Thomas Bokenkotter

Should be welcomed by all interested in this pivotal period. (Thomas Bokenkotter, author, A Concise History of the Catholic Church)

Editorial Reviews

"Mullins . . . spans the intriguing 70 years of the Avignon papacy with this highly readable narrative . . . he draws readers into this fascinating period of the church's 'Babylonian captivity.' " —Library Journal

"Describes one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of the Middle Ages. . . . This is history made thoroughly evocative and engaging."  —Ross King, author, Brunelleschi's Dome

"As Edwin Mullins says in his fine study, the papacy became increasingly secularized and increasingly materialistic. . . . The author traces this process very well and colorfully describes its context. . . . A study that should be welcomed by all interested in this pivotal period."  —Thomas Bokenkotter, author, A Concise History of the Catholic Church

"An excellent introduction to a critical period in the history of medieval Europe and the church. Mullins provides a well-balanced and sympathetic treatment of popes often denigrated for their lack of piety."  —Michael Frassetto, author, The Great Medieval Heretics

From the Publisher

Mullins, an Oxford-educated journalist and visual arts and architecture specialist, spans the intriguing 70 years of the Avignon papacy with this highly readable narrative. By grounding the story in the architecture and artistic elements of Avignon and the surrounding area, he draws readers into this fascinating period of the church's "Babylonian captivity." Mullins effectively demonstrates the effects of the papacy on the area by contrasting current and past architecture. Although two standard works on this period were translated in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Guillaume Mollatt's The Popes at Avignon 1305-78 and Yves Renouard's The Avignon Papacy, and although the triumphs and excesses of the 14th-century church are also well documented in general sources, this focused treatment is an excellent addition to church history collections. Suitable for academic and public libraries.
—Ray Arnett

Library Journal