Triumph: The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church - Softcover

Crocker III, H.W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0761516042 ISBN 13: 9780761516040

Publisher: Crown Forum, 2001

Synopsis

For 2,000 years, Catholicism—the largest religion in the world and in the United States—has shaped global history on a scale unequaled by any other institution. But until now, Catholics interested in their faith have been hard-pressed to find an accessible, affirmative, and exciting history of the Church.
Triumph is that history. Inside, you'll discover the spectacular story of the Church from Biblical times and the early days of St. Peter—the first pope—to the twilight years of John Paul II. It is a sweeping drama of Roman legions, great crusades, epic battles, toppled empires, heroic saints, and enduring faith. And, there are stormy controversies: Dark Age skullduggery, the Inquistition, the Renaissance popes, the Reformation, the Church's refusal to accept sexual liberation and contemporary allegations like those made in Hitler's Pope and Papal Sin.
A brawling, colorful history full of inspiring pageantry and spirited polemic, Triumph will exhilarate, amuse, and infuriate as it extols the glories of Catholic history and the gripping stories of its greatest men and women.

About this title

Review:

Catholics who tire of histories critical of their church will find much to love in Triumph, by the journalist and novelist H.W. Crocker III. With the enthusiasm of a convert, Crocker (formerly an Anglican) tells a story spanning 2,000 years, concentrating on the most heroic and adventurous chapters of church history. Crocker writes clear, crisp sentences ("Origen severed his genitals," begins one chapter; "A little looting goes a long way," opens another), and his version of Catholic history is one amazing scene after another. Triumph reads more like a historical novel than most other church histories, and that quality makes the book one of the most accessible historical surveys for younger readers. Theologically, however, Crocker is so eager to depict the church in a positive light that he's all but blind to its flaws. There's a lot of catechism here, but not much probing into the complexities of the church's involvement in the Inquisition or in World War II, or contemporary controversies such as the ordination of women. --Michael Joseph Gross

From the Back Cover:

"Mr.Crocker's book is engaging, provocative, and eminently readable. It should be around for Vatican III."—William F. Buckley Jr.
"Harry Crocker propels us through two millennia with wit and insight. While irreverent to man, his reverence to God is never questioned in a must-read for non-Catholics as well as Catholics."—Robert D. Novak, syndicated columnist and commentator
"Harry Crocker has written the best short history of the Church in English since the Second Vatican Council. In short, a Triumph."—Fr. C. J. McCloskey III, director, Catholic Information Center
"I used to think that the history of the Catholic Church was the greatest story never told. But it's been told now—in Triumph—with all the verve, aggression, and even humor of John Wayne in The Quiet Man. This is rock-solid history—delivered with a rock-solid punch—and is the most essential Catholic book since the Catechism of the Catholic Church (though it's a lotmore fun to read). Buy it and enjoy."—Sean Hannity, Fox News
"H. W. Crocker III has indeed brought about a triumph with his concise and informative history. Here is a book for the general reader that provides a grand view of the Church's progress through time. Triumph is a book that will strengthen the faith of Catholics and give others an exciting and complete account of the two millennia of the Catholic Church. Magnificent!"—Ralph McInerny, Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies, University of Notre Dame, and author of the Father Dowling mysteries
"A biting, unaplolgetic romp through Catholic history that debunks some long held myths and celebrates the glory of the Catholic faith. A much needed Triumph."—Raymond Arroyo, EWTN news director and host of The World Over

About this edition

• Publisher: Crown Forum
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0761516042
• ISBN 13: 9780761516040
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 512