This highly readable, informative, and timely biography of the present Pope Paul VI, covers a wide range of the Church's history, for it is impossible to appreciate his characters and actions without extensive reference to his three predecessors. The characters of the four Pontiffs are drawn brilliantly, and illustrate the different ways in which they carried out the exacting duties and responsibilities of their high office-but it is the life and thought of Pope Paul which dominate the story.