The Bad Popes: The Mad, Bad, and Ugly of Italian History

This captivating narrative explores the lives of some of the most infamous figures in medieval and Renaissance history who emerged from the Eternal City. Readers who appreciate the works of John Julius Norwich, Tom Holland, and Peter Ackroyd will find this account especially engaging. Throughout history, numerous notorious individuals have donned the papal tiara, many of whom are mired in scandal. Some have faced accusations of murder, while others have maintained mistresses or traded church positions for loyalty, often endowing their illegitimate offspring with land and wealth.

E. R. Chamberlin takes a closer look at eight of the most controversial popes who led the Holy See, starting with the ninth-century Pope Stephen VI, infamous for exhuming his predecessor, putting him on trial, and discarding the corpse into the Tiber River. Chamberlin’s examination continues through to Pope Clement VII, the second Medici pope, whose flawed international strategies culminated in the devastating Sack of Rome in 1527.

"The Bad Popes" investigates how, over six centuries, the papal monarchy reached unprecedented grandeur as popes strived to assert their spiritual and temporal dominion, only to witness it ultimately crumble.

Critical acclaim for Chamberlin’s work is abundant. The Los Angeles Times describes it as “a magnificent piece of historic research and description.” The Washington Post calls it “a vital and important book.” The Daily Telegraph praises Chamberlin’s writing style, stating, “[he] writes well, even elegantly,” drawing parallels to great historians such as Tacitus and Gibbon. Additionally, the Catholic Herald expresses gratitude for “a vivid book,” and The Bulletin deems it as “close to the ideal”—noting its scrupulous fairness, meticulous documentation, and lively, witty prose.

Chamberlin’s exploration not only sheds light on the darker sides of papal history, but it also invites readers to consider the complexities of power, morality, and governance during an era that shaped the course of the Catholic Church and European politics. As these enigmatic figures navigated along the thin line between spiritual leadership and earthly ambitions, their legacies, marked by intrigue and controversy, leave an indelible mark on history.

With each pope’s story, "The Bad Popes" illustrates a world of ambition and excess within the Vatican walls. Chamberlin's accounts are filled with vivid details, making it easy for readers to imagine the turbulent times and the moral quandaries faced by these leaders. This work serves as a reminder of how power can corrupt, as well as the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain their influence. Ultimately, it emphasizes the precarious balance of authority held by the papacy, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the historical dynamics of religion and statecraft.

In sum, Chamberlin’s book offers both an entertaining and insightful look into a notorious chapter of history, prompting readers to reflect on the lessons that can still resonate today.

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