The 'Commentaries' of Pope Pius II (1458-1464) and the Crisis of the Fifteenth-Century Papacy

The Commentaries of Pope Pius II (1458–1464) and the Crisis of the Fifteenth-Century Papacy demonstrates the role that Pius and his writings played in the evolution of the Renaissance papacy.

Emily O’Brien is an associate professor in the Departments of History and Humanities at Simon Fraser University.

"On the basis of this study, Pius remains a fascinating figure. O’Brien should be congratulated heartily for having rekindled interest in him with such affection, and for having written about him with such clarity."

Barry Torch:

‘As a text, The Commentaries of Pope Pius II is one of the richest sources for the studies on fifteenth-century intellectual culture.’

Brian Jeffrey Maxson:

‘O’Brien’s book is a fascinating example of humanist history studied through the lens of politics. It is sure to stand at the center of future conversations about Pope Pius II’s Commentaries for years to come.’

Albrecht Classen:

‘We have to give a lot of credit to O’Brien’s efforts to untangle the complex political situation under Pius…. This excellent study concludes with notes, the bibliography, and the most welcome index.’

Jennifer Mara DeSilva:

‘This is a valuable study that serves to remind us of the importance of deep context and a thorough examination of historical evidence, not only in studying the papacy, but throughout the discipline.’

Thomas M. Izbicki, Rutgers University Library:

“Emily O’Brien’s work on Pope Pius II is the most interesting being done on that humanist pope in recent years. This book will be greatly welcomed by those of us interested in the Renaissance papacy, Italian political history, and the cultural heritage of the humanists.”

Anthony D'Elia, Department of History, Queen's University:

“The Commentaries of Pope Pius II (1458–1464) and the Crisis of the Fifteenth-Century Papacy offers a new and convincing interpretation of Pius’s Commentaries, which is without a doubt the richest and most discussed primary source for the fifteenth century papacy. The Commentaries, O’Brien argues, are both Pius’s apology for his early support of conciliarist ideas and his assertion of papal power. Her book thus demonstrates the essential interrelation of Church politics and humanist classical literature, placing her at the forefront of the study of the Renaissance papacy.”