Originally published in 1867 this work has come to its third edition which includes additions and changes. “The futility of a fifteen centuries’ struggle against the nature of things appears throughout the narrative, and is emphasized by the scandalous conditions reported in Italy and in Latin America during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Throughout all these centuries the church has been more tolerant of concubinage than of marriage among her clergy.... The republication of this monumental work is timely for the new crisis which the apparent irreformability of the Vatican seems to be bringing on.”
“The revision for the new edition has not been so thorough as the subject deserves. The proof-reading is not quite up to Mr. Lea’s high standard. It is a pity that references are still given to antiquated collections ... in cases where the texts cited are to be found in more correct and more accessible modern editions.”
| + + − | Nation. 85: 492. N. 28, ’07. 380w. |
“Scholars are already acquainted with the earlier editions, and will welcome their enlargement.”
| + | N. Y. Times. 12: 677. O. 26, ’07. 290w. |
“It is non-controversial history, content with a record of facts.”
| + + | Outlook. 87: 453. O. 26, ’07. 360w. |
“It is an accurate and exhaustive account of a clearly defined object, and well merits the place which is commonly assigned to it among standard authorities.”
| + + | Sat. R. 104: 366. S. 21, ’07. 1260w. |