Behind Locked Doors

' Frederic Baumgartner' s book is well balanced, both in its wide sweep of centuries and in fairness to individuals, be they popes, cardinals or monarchs. . . this history will give us an understanding of the evolution of the world' s oldest elected institution. It should be made required reading for the college of cardinals, and perhaps presented to a new Eminence with his red hat. ' - Richard Mullen, Catholic Herald

' There is something irresistibly exciting about a papal election - but reading this fascinating and scholarly account of elections over 200 years, it seems the forthcoming conclave will be one of the dullest in history. . . The use of white smoke, along with the strict secrecy, Baumgartner shows, is an innovation scarcely more than 100 years old. But the process is still a fascinating one, as this readable, very well researched and interesting book proves. ' - David McLaurin, Church Times

' It' s surely no surprise that a history of papal elections is largely a history of bad behaviour: self aggrandisement, corruption, bribery, nepotism, greed and cynical manipulation. ' - Barney Zwartz, The Age