PERSPECTIVES IN AMERICAN CATHOLICISM

It is fortunate that the editor of the Benedictine Studies persuaded Msgr. John Tracy Ellis, the distinguished professor of history at the Catholic University of America, author of such outstanding books as Documents of Catholic History, John Lancaster Spaulding and History of the Catholic Church in the United States and editor of the Catholic Historical Review, to select, edit and collate his own personal testament -- the fruit of a long life of public service and observations as a professional historian. These chapters stand as a monument to the greatness of a man who was willing to state facts as he saw them. His high standards and keen sense of responsibility and scholarship shine in these articles and statements on varied important issues touching the Church. Perspectives in American Catholicism offers twenty three topical essays which range over a wide area of contemporary questions. Some are limited in interest, but all, even when they seem to be framed in terms of a local situation, beam the cold light of responsible criticism on a basic aspect of life in the Church in the United States which needs to be seen clearly. For a sharp, documented view of the issues involving Catholics in this country Msgr. Ellis' latest contribution will serve superbly.