I'm delighted to announce the publication of Mary Hollingsworth's latest
book, a particularly timely analysis of the 1559 conclave. Members of
this list will be aware of Mary's previous book The Cardinal's Hat, an
analysis of the early career of the second cardinal Ippolito d'Este and
the material culture of his household; Conclave builds upon this
research, and is effectively the second volume of Mary's work on
Ippolito. In the author's words, it is 'filled not just with a
staggering account of the sleazy election but also with commodes, food,
etc, ... and of course, salamis!'
Conclave 1559
Mary Hollingsworth
Paperback: 284 pages
Publisher: Thistle Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1909609037
A papal election is compelling theatre. It is a unique event, conducted
with magnificent and arcane ceremonial in a format that has remained
largely unchanged for centuries. The death of John Paul II in 2005
marked the start of a three-week media frenzy, with blanket coverage in
the newspapers and on television, and armies of ‘experts’ interviewed to
throw light on what was happening behind the locked doors of the
Vatican. Another conclave is expected in the near future – and it will
engender a similar fascination with what is one of the most
unpredictable events in global politics. Conclaves have so often changed
the course of history but their details remain shrouded in secrecy.
Legend may have it that the Holy Ghost chooses the pope, but we can be
sure a conclave is primarily about power: the cardinal who successfully
engineers two-thirds of the votes in his favour will become a leading
figure on the world stage. In 1559, as in 2013, the papacy was in
crisis, under attack for its reluctance to embrace the need to reform
abuses; the college of cardinals too was deeply divided between
moderates and conservatives, as well as between personal rivalries and
national factions; and a conclave was imminent. In 1559 the election of
Pius IV would signal the start of the Counter-Reformation – perhaps it
will provide a model for conclaves yet to come.
- Conclave 1559 is the story of one of the most notorious conclaves in
history, the last in which the rules of secrecy were totally ignored.
- Using contemporary letters, diaries and reports, this book will reveal
the complex and often devious manoeuvring between ambitious men hungry
for power.
- Astonishing levels of outside interference as foreign rulers attempt
to rig the election.
- A cast of colourful characters, some guilty of murder and heresy,
others pious churchmen, but most of whom were motivated explicitly by
self-interest.
- Bribery and and corruption, dirty deals on a staggering scale,
vitriolic rows and violent brawls, will make this a good read.
- A magnificent setting in the Sistine Chapel and other halls of
Renaissance splendour.
- Uniquely, thanks to the ledgers of Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, this tale
of political chicanery will be illuminated with the more commonplace
details of daily life inside the sealed world of the Vatican.
Available via amazon.co.uk for £6.35:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Conclave-Mary-Hollingsworth/dp/190960903X
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