"An extraordinary and unparalleled work that tells a fascinating
story of considerable importance for understanding the history of
the Papacy and modern Italy."--Brian R. Sullivan, coauthor of Il
Duce's Other Woman: The Untold Story of Margherita Sarfatti, Benito
Mussolini's Jewish Mistress, and How She Helped Him Come to Power"A
readable account that makes a new and important contribution to our
understanding of Vatican history and affairs."--Frank Coppa, author
of Politics and the Papacy in the Modern World"Written with
admirable detachment, lucidity, and learning."--D. S. Chambers,
author of Popes, Cardinals, and War: The Military Church in
Renaissance and Early Modern Europe
"This is a surprisingly engaging study. Alvarez sets the reform of
the papal armed forces within the framework of contemporary events,
takes into account the evolution of military technology and
organization, gives us excellent profiles of a great many
clergymen, bureaucrats, soldiers, diplomats, and others, and writes
some very good battle pieces as he discusses the service of papal
troops in the field. An excellent read for anyone interested in the
papacy, military reform, and the Risorgimento, or just good
military history"--NYMAS Review"A fascinating study. . . . Offers
grist for critical thought on the role of religion in diplomacy and
public affairs, the place of the pope in addressing international
issues, and some limited examination of the culture of closed
systems."--Parameters"Many parts of this fine book read like an
adventure novel. . . . Overall, the book will stand up as a beacon
ofthe final and enthralling finale of the Papal States."--The
Catholic Historical ReviewAlvarez provides a fascinating and
well-researched history of the Vatican's military forces in the
post-medieval period. . . . Goes beyond previous volumes. . . . I
highly recommend this book to any scholar or officer interested in
military, Italian, or Roman Catholic history."--Military Review"A
much-needed military history of the papacy in the post-Renaissance
era. . . . Besides examining the papal military, Alvarez
illuminates much about the military role of small powers and
microstates, Italian unification, neutrality issues in WW II, and
modern security problems involving high-profile personages. Highly
recommended."--Choice"Alvarez's fine history merits a place in all
academic libraries next to Robert Royal's fine history of theSwiss
Guard."--Catholic Library World"In rescuing the pontifical forces
from the near oblivion to which many historians of
nineteenth-century Italy consign them, Alvarez has produced a
volume which I wholeheartedly commend to such authors, and to
anyone with more than a passing interest in the story of the
papacy."--The Tablet
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