This book is a valuable overview of developments in the papacy in the first half of the twentieth century. * Peter C. Kent, University of New Brunswick, Journal of Ecclesiastical History * Pollard's book portrays the three popes as diplomats as well as pastors. The integration of these two papal roles as well as the global mileu of papal concern are commendabale features of the book. * Hilmar M.Patel, The Tablet * a sober, balanced, comprehensive, and scholarly study. * Robert Nowell, Church Times * a judicious, nuanced, and well-informed examination. * Lauren Faulkner Rossi, Contemporary Church History Quarterly * This is a book that will please scholars and students, most certainly, but also a much wider audience looking for a new approach to one of the most eventful periods of the twentieth century. * Dianne Kirby, Journal of Contemporary History *