City of Saints by George Weigel Publisher: Image (2015)
Paperback (336 pages)
Via: Blogging for Books
Rating:
Synopsis
“Karol Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II, was a man whose life was the expression of a richly textured and multidimensional soul. The many layers of that soul took on their first, mature form in Kraków.” – George Weigel
In this beautifully illustrated spiritual travelogue, New York Times bestselling author George Weigel leads readers through the historic streets of Kraków, Poland, introducing one of the world’s great cities through the life of one of the most influential Catholic leaders of all time.
“To follow Karol Wojtyła through Kraków is to follow an itinerary of sanctity while learning the story of a city.” Weigel writes. “Thus, in what follows, the story of Karol Wojtyła, St. John Paul II, and the story of Kraków are interwoven in a chronological pilgrimage through the life of a saint that reveals, at the same time, the dramatic history and majestic culture of a city where a boy grew into a man, priest, a bishop—and an apostle to the world.”
With stunning photographs by Stephen Weigel and notes on the city’s remarkable fabric by Carrie Gress, City of Saints offers an in-depth look at a man and a city that made an indelible impression on the life and thought of the Catholic Church and the 21st century world.
Find the book: Goodreads, Amazon
My Review
I have wanted to read this book since I first heard it existed. I will be going to Kraków in 2016 for World Youth Day and so I almost purchased this book the day before I saw it available on Blogging for Books.
I have been slowly reading up on Kraków in preparation for World Youth Day which is coming up. I have been attempting to learn about the history of Kraków, both political and ecclesiastical. This book definitely fits that bill.
This biography of Pope Saint John Paul II is told through the backdrop of the city of Kraków. Poland’s history is interwoven as historical places are discussed and more of the early life of Karol Wojtyła before he became the Bishop of Rome is discussed.
I really enjoyed learning more about all of the places in and around Kraków which I will likely be seeing this summer. Really, this book is a great preparation for anyone attending World Youth Day in Kraków in 2016.
I don’t want to say too much about this book because I really think that everyone should read it. It doesn’t matter your religious affiliation because this book is not just a Catholic book. This book places the life of Pope Saint John Paul II into the history of Kraków, the history of Poland.
I seriously recommend this book to everyone as a means to better understand the Polish people and Polish existence during World War II and following. It is such a good read in that is places the biography of Karol Wojtiyła into the history of Kraków, his city.
Which Reading Challenges?
- You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
I received this book for free from the publisher via Blogging for Books for
review consideration. This in no way affects my opinion of the title
nor the content of this review.
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