In this fascinating account of the search for the remains of the world's first pope; none other than Peter; the chief apostle of Jesus; Thomas J. Craughwell takes us on one of the most exciting archaeological finds of the twentieth century. In 1448 a team of architects and engineers brought Pope Nicholas V unhappy news: the 1;100-year-old Basilica of St. Peter suffered from so many structural defects that it was beyond repair. The only solution was to pull down the old church--one of the most venerable churches in all of Christiandom--and erect a new basilica on the site. Incredibly; one of the tombs the builders paved over was the resting place of St. Peter. Then in 1939; while reconstructing the grottoes below St. Peter's Basilica; a workman's shovel struck not dirt or rock but open air. After inspecting what could be seen through the hole they'd made in the mausoleum's roof; Pope Pius XII secretly authorized a full-scale excavation. What lay beneath? The answer and the adventure await. In this riveting history; facts; traditions; and faith collide to reveal the investigation; betrayals; and mystery behind St. Peter's burial place.
#10999 in Books 2012-05-01 2012-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .50 x 5.20l; .45 #File Name: 0307743268192 pages
Review
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Blue BurrBy VA DuckAn interesting account of the life of Aaron Burr; told without bias or favoritism. This relatively short read (192 pages in paperback) covers most of Vice President Burr's adult life - though his part in the Revolution is alluded to rather than documented. The "Heartbreak"; of course; refers to his relationship with his beloved daughter Theodosia and his grandson; Aaron Burr Alston.Professor Brands applies an interesting style to the writing of the book: short; succinct chapters drawn up in short; succinct sentences told in an assertive style - in the fashion of one who has actually witnessed history; rather than one who is recounting it from research. He blends the correspondence of Mr. Burr and Theodosia and other characters into the narrative without breaking the pace of the story. His writing is interesting and quite pleasant in its cadence. There is a "romantic" character about the telling of this story - which I think Professor Brands very much intends - though the story is not saccharine; or maudlin in the least.The author spends more time on Burr's trial for treason than other biographies have and it is appreciated. We hear from John Marshall; Luther Martin; Edmond Randolph and other now famous figures at the trial. However; apart from the detail of the trial; if you have read a Burr biography; you will not likely find new historic incidents here; nor do I think that was Professor Brands' intent - so much as to very deftly present the emotion of the events of Arron Burr's life. And; he has done that very well.Consider reading as well; Professor Nancy Isenberg's book "Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr" for another book that takes an interestingly different look at Burr the man--rather than the villain.-----kindle edition-----This e-book shows no sign of the occasional quirks of this format (odd line-breaks; typographical errors; non-working links; etc). The compactness of the book extends to chapter names as well - the author simply numbers the 41 chapters; so the table of contents is less than informative. There are no notes or index - which can be a useful feature in e-book format; but again; I think this is in keeping with the style of the book. A personal opinion; the portraits of Hamilton and Jefferson presented mid-book are perhaps the least recognized of the portraits commonly seen. Other portraits included: Arron Burr; Theodosia Burr; Andrew Jackson; James Wilkerson; and John Marshall. e-Book publication quality; ★★★★☆.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Vivid; wonderful little bookBy SherriLeeSome reviews criticize the brevity and/or focus of this book. However; the title is The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr and that is the focus...his personal life; his family; his heartbreak. This is not meant to be a political biography. It mentions and notes his impact on many things; but then blows by them to concentrate on the relationship that finally broke his heart. This is a fascinating; bewildering; inspiring; melancholy story written in short; vivid chapters. I am not a Burrito and I loved this little book6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. The Hearbreak of Aaron Burr is a short scamper through the life of Vice -President Aaron Burr and his daughter TheodosiaBy C. M MillsDr. H.W. Brands has written several historical bestsellers written for a popular general audience. Among his tomes are "The First American" a biography of Benjamin Franklin and "A Traitor to His Class" a life of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. "The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr is a brief account of Burr's relationship with his only child the erudite and tragic Theodosia. Burr (1756-1836) was a Revolutionary War hero. He married a woman who was ten years his senior who died when Theodosia their only child was eleven years old. Burr believed in equality of the sexes and raised Theodosia to be a scholar. She was a lovely young woman who married William Alston. Alston became elected as the governor of South Carolina. The couple had one child Aaron Burr Jr. who died as a young boy. Theodosia was sickly disappearing at sea on her voyage to visit her father in New York City. Burr never got over her loss though he did continue to practice law in New York. Burr was the grandson of Jonathan Edward the famed New England theologian. Aaron's father served as President of Princeton University where Burr graduated becoming a lawyer. Burr was active in New York politics as a Repbulican. He served as Vice-President during the first administration of President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson and Burr later became bitter enemies. Jefferson believed Burr was seeking to separate the western portion of the United States and go to war against Mexico. It was believed Burr wanted to set the capital of his new nation in New Orleans with himself as the head of state. He was accused of treason in a famous trial in Richmond; Virginia presided over by John Marshall; the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Marshall was a strong Federalist and enemy of Jefferson. Burr was acquitted of treason since no two witnesses had seen him actually lead a revolt against the United States. Burr killed his chief rival Alexander Hamilton in a famous duel in New Jersey. He was scorned by the political powers of the age. Burr spent long periods in Europe especially in England; France; Holland and Sweden. He eventually returned to New York City penniless and scorned. His reputation was never recovered as he died an old and disillusioned man. Brands tells the tragic tale of the Burr family through the correspondence of Burr and Theodosia. His account of the treason trial in Richmond is a fascinating look at the legal system in the early republic. The book will appeal most to history buffs.The book is somewhat dry but give the reader a new insight into the life of Aaron Burr and his family.
