The History of the Popes (Vol. III): From the Close of the Middle Ages examines the turbulent political and religious landscape of 15th-century Europe. This volume focuses on the papacy's efforts to confront the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, resolve internal Church conflicts, and address various challenges regarding reform. Drawing on research from the Vatican Secret Archives, the book provides an in-depth account of key events of the era, covering (a) the Crusades and the Ottoman threat (with particular emphasis on Pope Pius II’s attempts to form a coalition against Ottoman territorial expansion); (b) European and Bohemian politics (crucial papal diplomatic maneuvers, including conflicts and diplomacy involving King George of Bohemia); and (c) the dynamics of reform and internal conflict (papal strategies for survival and consolidation amidst radical changes within the Church). This comprehensive work spans a total of 40 volumes chronicling the reigns of 56 popes.