From New York Times bestselling author Peggy Noonan comes "a beautifully written testimony about . . . the most historically recognized pope" (Library Journal) With such accla imed books as When Character Was King, Peggy Noonan has become one of our most eloquent and respected commentators. Now she offers a stirring portrait of a spiritual and intellectual giant who personally confronted all of the worst tragedies of his age. Drawing on scholarship, interviews with prominent Catholics, and her own experience, Noonan traces the extraordinary life and struggles of Pope John Paul II with characteristic insight and probity-and explores how much we can learn from his leadership, diplomacy, humility, and holiness. Passionate and often deeply personal, John Paul the Great is as exceptional as the man it celebrates.

Find out how two extraordinary leaders changed religion and the world In April 2014, Pope Francis will jointly canonize two predecessors, John Paul II and John XXIII, in a move that recognizes the extraordinary accomplishments of these leaders of the Catholic faith. An estimated 1 million people filled St. Peter's Square and the surrounding streets for John Paul II's beatification, and the joint canonization will attract even more. With John Paul II For Dummies, Special Edition you can learn more about these admired religious leaders and join millions of devotees in celebrating their lives and legacies. You'll get an in-depth look at John Paul II's remarkable life and achievements and learn more about the beloved John XXIII in a bonus chapter. With this special edition e-book written in friendly, plain English, you'll discover how John Paul II's deep religious convictions affected world politics, history, and the Catholic faith. You'll be introduced to his influences, his personal struggles, the way he impacted the Church, and his methods for spreading his powerful message. Catholics and non-Catholics alike will find the stories of these holy men fascinating and inspiring. Introduces you to the lives and legacies of both John Paul II and John XXIII Presents you with the struggles, influences, and approaches to world politics of John Paul II, whose actions had a great impact on history Includes a bonus chapter that details the life of John XXIII, who will be canonized along with John Paul II in April 2014 Written in an engaging, accessible style and a great read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike John Paul II For Dummies, Special Edition is your guide to discovering the exemplary lives of two rare and extraordinary men who have influenced generations of people all over the world.

The first Polish Pope, John Paul II, was a thinker and a leader whose religious convictions defined a new approach toward world politics—and changed the course of history. When he died on April 2, 2005, millions around the world mourned his passing. No other person in recent history has had such a tremendous display of respect and honor. The fact that so many non-Catholics honored this man attests to his effect on the world—and not just within his own religion. Now, you can get to know the man behind the papacy and appreciate his remarkable achievements. John Paul II For Dummies is a friendly, plain-English guide to the life and legacy of one of the world's most beloved religious leaders. You'll discover: The Pope's influences His personal struggles How he impacted the Church His approach to world politics The ways he spread his message

On the 29 June 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo triggering events leading to the outbreak of the First World War. Less well known is that the car he was in was a borrowed Graf + Stift Double Phaeton, that the route was published in advance, and the decision to lower the hood was only taken at the last minute. As with the other events in this book, the car played a central role, yet its history is largely unknown. These cars not only had their own stories in terms of design, ownership, and the role they played but they are also a way of telling the story of the events themselves – they are literally a vehicle for history. In this book James Morrison takes 20 cars involved in twenty key 20th century world events and examines their involvement and history to provide a new angle and fascinating insights.

This study of Catholicism articulates how theological teachings trickle down from the Vatican and influence decisions about food, marriage, sex, community celebrations, and medical care.

"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.” —St. Catherine of Siena God created each person for a specific purpose and with a specific mission. How do I find out what that mission is? Every saint in heaven once asked this question. Their path to discovering God’s will was often frustrating and tedious, but their reward for perseverance is eternity in heaven. In Discover Your Next Mission from God, author and retreat-leader Julie Onderko uncovers the lives of countless saints to show how they searched for — and ultimately discovered — God’s will for their lives. By reflecting on the decisions, circumstances, and ever-guiding love of God in the saints’ lives, you’ll come to a greater knowledge of how to see and live the plan He has for your life. You’ll learn how Maximillian Kolbe got God’s plan wrong before he got it right. You’ll read about St. Helena who persevered under the most challenging circumstances, including watching her son murder her grandson. You’ll discover how St. Andre Bessette found his calling to heal physical afflictions through devotion to St. Joseph. Time after time, Julie shows us, God doesn’t call the holy and qualified. Instead, he calls sinners like you and me, lifts them up to greatness, and sets them out to do His will. Read these pages, and you’ll be armed with saintly strategies and examples as you begin the greatest adventure of your life. God is calling you right now, and He stands ready to fill your soul with the grace needed to achieve His mission for you on earth.