The History of the Popes (Vol. I): From the Close of the Middle Ages examines the transition of the Catholic Church from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. This first volume focuses on the key events between 1305 and 1447, including (a) the period of the popes' residence in France from 1305 to 1376, (b) the crisis of internal divisions within the Church from 1378 to 1417, (c) the conciliar attempts to reunite the papacy from 1409 to 1417, and (d) the post-schism restoration of papal authority from 1417 to 1431. It is considered a revolution in papal history. This comprehensive work encompasses 40 volumes covering 56 popes.