The Corpse a History

Well known for his histories of Norman Sicily, Venice, the Byzantine Empire and the Mediterranean, John Julius Norwich has now turned his attention to the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter himself – traditionally (though by no means historically) the first pope – to the present Benedict XVI.

AS READ ON BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK.

Recently unearthed propaganda films and grim archival photos reveal the hidden truth about the political system that has spread to all the continents of the world, affecting four generations of mankind over the past seven decades and standing in stark contrast to the principals of capitalism. Dubbed the "The Red Church" by some due to the near religious fervor displayed by some followers, Communism still stands as one of the most controversial political systems on the planet. By starting the story in 1917 and following through to 1999, filmmakers Patrick Rotman and Patrick Barbaris offer a comprehensive overview of the impact that Communism has had both at home and abroad.