Legend of Pope Joan

by Peter Stanford

Book Overview

A quest for the truth behind one of history's most perplexing mysteries. The story of Pope Joan, an English woman who disguised herself as a man and became pope in the middle of the ninth century, has... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805039104
• ISBN13: 9780805039108
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

A Believer's Look at History

I became aware of the legend of Pope Joan a number of years ago upon reading Donna Woolfolk Cross's novel Pope Joan. Since then, I've come across mentions of the legend in a number of places, including some interesting papal histories. However, I had never looked into the story seriously so I decided to read a few books. One of the first I came across was this one by Peter Stanford.I was reasonably pleased with this book. Stanford appears to have done some serious research into the historical sources of the story of the female pope. In addition, he has relates a number of interviews with important historians both inside and outside the Vatican. Most importantly, the book is quite easy to read as he tells it more as the story of his personal search for the truth as opposed to a dry history.This, however, is also the source of the book's main weakness. Stanford is clearly prejudiced before he even begins his search. Clearly, he believes there was such a person as Pope Joan and he is merely looking for pieces of information to back up his position. Granted, he is honest enough to admit that there is absolutely no way a definitive answer to this question will ever come but this cannot cover his strong belief that there was such a person.I, myself, believe it is highly likely a person like Joan lived at some time in papal history but Stanford's faith is distracting. Still, he is quite thorough and makes a number of good points both pro and con. For someone interested in the subject, this book is a worthwhile read.

A Fun Journalistic Look at History

The Legend of Pope Joan (In Search of the Truth) by Peter Stanford was a little difficult to enjoy at first as I was expecting more of a standard history book. Instead this book is actually more about the journalist's, the author, own personal search for the truth behind the stories of Pope Joan, rather than Pope Joan herself, although she is there in plenty. This is more than just an ego project though (although it certainly has moments of that) and it is an interesting and different way of making this book stand out from the various other Pope Joan books in existence and actually drawing the reader closer and personally into the legend. The author is certainly thorough in his research, extending it often beyond the middle ages, such as his riveting interview with a woman in Czechoslovakia who was ordained as a priest as a way of getting around Communist restrictions against the Catholic Church. There will be more than enough history to please the history buffs but the story, mainly due to the style of the author, will be a joy for anyone to indulge a couple of hours soaking into this unusual legend of this remarkable, possibly real, woman. It is history as journalism by way of a detective story.

A great book

This is a great book for anyone interested in the Medieval history of the papacy, feminist issues, or just looking for a great story that may be truth, myth, or a little of both. It mixes historical research with vivid and humorous anecdotes from the author's travels through western Europe in search of definitive proof for Joan's existence. Stanford does an excellent job of weaving together the threads of written accounts, historical artifacts and theoretical arguments in his comprehensive approach to the mystery of 'Pope Joan.' Although there is room to dispute his interpretation of the evidence he uncovers, he cannot be faulted for the thoroughness of his research. There is one drawback, and that is that definitive proof of the existence of a female pope remains elusive. However, this book is so informative and entertaining, covering everything from lurid tales of Medieval papal corruption to modern religious feminism, that you can thoroughly enjoy the journey, even if you're a little dissatisfied with the destination.

Fascinating, whether you believe or not

A book to interest religious and non-religious alike. Though the author is a Catholic, he does not force it down the reader's throat (he also does not come off as anti-church, despite what another reader seems to feel). The search for the reality behind Pope Joan takes some bizarre off-ramps, but all are fascinating in their own right--and any work that quotes the great Tallulah Bankhead church joke is OK in my book!

wonderful journey into unresolvable mystery

Involving from the very start.I literally could not put this book down.Finished it in one day even though I had intended to take it on a flight the next .The fact that the story is unproveable doesnt detract from the fun.