The Lives of the Popes - From the Time of Our Saviour Jesus Christ to the Accession of Gregory VII.; Written Originally in Latin #228407

Platina's work is unquestionably very valuable. It will be seen that in his earliest lives he treads on uncertain ground, and a good many of his statements will not bear the light of close investigation. But it must be remembered that historical criticism was hardly born into the world when he wrote, and he depended, as did many chroniclers besides, on traditional stories rather than on documentary evidence. Whereas he gives us the dates of St Peter's occupation of the see, and of the accession of his immediate successors, we know that later writers of his own communion dismiss such details into the limbo of guesses or confused tradition. But when we emerge into the light of authentic history, Platina shows every disposi tion to be candid and accurate, and as he passes on he is often remarkably vivid and interesting in his presentation of details.