The title of this book expreses a paradox, not a fact. A papal monarchy was in principle and in practice inconceivable in medieval Europe. One of the distinctive features of Christianity has been a clear separationb etween church and state. The awaress nof two powers, each with its own area of authority, was founded upon the ministry of Christ. The distinction between sacred and secular, between kingdom and priesthood is a commonplace of Christian thinking and it was not forgotten between 1050 and 1250. This impressive book is comprehensive in coverage, masterful in synthesis, relentless in good sense, and felicitous in prose. This book covers the history of the Christian church from 1050-1250 with clarity, wit, elegant versing, and challenging epigrams. 673 page softcover from Oxford.
