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Inside the Vatican | 
 enlarge | Author: Bart Mcdowell
Creator: James L. Stanfield
Publisher: National Geographic
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $13.57
You Save: $6.38 (32%)
Avg. Customer Rating:  16 reviews
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
ISBN: 1426204507
Dewey Decimal Number: 282
EAN: 9781426204500
ASIN: 1426204507
Publication Date: March 17, 2009 (In 190 Days)
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Product Description
For almost a year, veteran National Geographic photographer Jim Stanfield captured nearly every corner of the Vatican, both the world’s smallest country and the center of the Roman Catholic Church. Along with author Bart McDowell, he provides an insider’s view into the history of this 108.7-acre enclave, from the first St. Peter’s, built in the fourth century, through the amazing reign of Pope John Paul II, and beyond. Rarely seen areas of the complex, such as the Pope’s personal quarters and the world-renowned libraries, and up-close views of the stunning and priceless art and architecture provide an unrivaled insider’s look into this amazing nation.
In this revised trade paperback edition, Washington Post writer Howard Schneider brings the story of the Vatican up-to-date, including the death and funeral of Pope John Paul II and the selection and ordination of Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Benedict XVI’s recent trip to the United States is also documented in poignant words and images.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
 very nice read June 29, 2008
I bought the book because I am interested in Italian Renaissance art. In this aspect it is a little bit disappointing. There should be far more interesting art objects than is covered. It was very nice to read about the history of the Vatican, to get a feeling for every day life in the Vatican. The knowledge in this book is important to better understand the position of art in relation to the ruling popes during the Renaissance.
I very much liked the photo's. They show the real craftmanship of James Stanfield. The three star rating is because the description seems to promise more about the Renaissance art than is given.
The Vatican on your coffee table April 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Having been to the Vatican in person, I know how hard it is to take (good) pictures of all the things there. The Vatican city with its myriad of art collections, museum, and antiquity-filled storerooms has something for everyone who likes art or history.
This book does a great job of capturing the feeling of the city, and hits every major masterpiece in the place. Unfortunately, there are some masterpieces that could have used more explanation or exploration, in particular, "La Pieta," and "The Last Judgement." This, for me, warranted the loss of a "perfect" score. Both of these works have a fascinating history, and tell volumes about the artist (Michaelangelo) himself.
If you can't make it to the Vatican yourself, this book is the next best thing.
Honestly! I expected more "inside" info or pictures. January 15, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Well, I guess part of the problem is that I expected to see more of the "inside" information and pictures in this book. It is more of a picture book with a few notations and some small feature type articles, but nothing really mind-blowing. I thought there would be more pictures of the "never before seen", but it was not meant to be.
Still, it does have beautiful pictures of the Holy See. Not a total loss, it is very aesthetically pleasing.
 FABULOUS! September 2, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Absolutely gorgeous and chock full of fascinating information written from a very personal perspective. Well done.
All I Expected, and More June 8, 2007
This is a lovely book. The pictures are beautiful and there were lots of them. But it is not just a picture book- it is full of information about The Vatican that I had never heard before. I didn't know that there were pinball machines and kiddie pools there-- for the families who live and work there. I thought that was an interesting facet of life behind Vatican walls. I especially liked the maps- they gave me a greater sense of how big Vatican City really is. The book certainly captures the granduer and splendor of this wonderful place.
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