Inside the Vatican (National
Geographic) by Bart McDowell
Fabulous!
I was given the rare opportunity to lift the veil of privacy for a privileged
look inside the Vatican, writes photographer James L. Stanfield in his
foreword to this book. For nearly a year, seven days a week, Stanfield
photographed virtually every corner of the 108.7-acre enclave that is both
the worlds smallest nation and the center of the worlds largest religious
body, the Roman Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II, the Roman Curia,
the color and pomp of centuries-old ceremonies, the wondrous art and
architecture, the daily lives of ordinary citizens -- all are part of Stanfields
unprecedented coverage. Author Bart McDowell guides you through this
extraordinary place. He begins with a historical perspective, going back to
ancient times when the area, known as the Vaticanus, was a marshland
infamous for snakes and malaria. In the fourth century, Emperor
Constantine built a great basilica there, the first St. Peters; around it grew
a settlement that would become home to the popes and territorial base of
the church for most of its succeeding history. In subsequent chapters,
McDowell explains the workings of the Holy See, the churchs labyrinthine

government. He introduces many of the people who make their living in the
Vatican. And he takes you into one of the worlds great collections of
paintings, sculpture, manuscripts, and other treasures. In a final chapter he
presents the modern popes, particularly the charismatic John Paul II.
Through beautiful and exclusive photographs and revealing text, Inside the
Vatican celebrates a small, dynamic community unique in the world.
Personal Review: Inside the Vatican (National Geographic) by
Bart McDowell
This is a lovely book. The pictures are beautiful and there were lots of
them. But it is not just a picture book- it is full of information about The
Vatican that I had never heard before. I didn't know that there were pinball
machines and kiddie pools there-- for the families who live and work there.
I thought that was an interesting facet of life behind Vatican walls. I
especially liked the maps- they gave me a greater sense of how big
Vatican City really is. The book certainly captures the granduer and
splendor of this wonderful place.
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