VATICAN IMPRESSIONS

This is a most unusual collection of writings from diverse sources gathered together for the pleasure of all who share with the editor his affection for the baroque glamour of Papal Rome. Father Sweeney has managed to put together in one place impressions and reactions of pilgrims (in the normal sense of the word), reporters and trained observers with keen and sensitive minds. The resulting anthology is most pleasing. Where else could one be treated to views on the Papacy from authors ranging from Belloc through Lord Acton, Booth Tarkington, Sean O'Faolain, James Fenimore Cooper, Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Graham Greene, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens and John Cogley, to mention but a few of the fifty contributors. Brief forewords introduce the editor's intentions in making the selections for specific situations, and unify his inclusions. Most of the selections are good, and will be enjoyed by anyone who picks up the book. But as is the case with any collection some of the choices will make one wonder why they were chosen. But in general, this is a 'reader' which should prove to be a happy source for pickup enjoyment. Father Sweeney has transmitted the results of his interests for others to share in a subject area which will appeal to all Christians who see Rome as the home of their culture and their faith.