"This is a surprisingly engaging study. Alvarez sets the reform of the papal armed forces within the framework of contemporary events, takes into account the evolution of military technology and organization, gives us excellent profiles of a great many clergymen, bureaucrats, soldiers, diplomats, and others, and writes some very good battle pieces as he discusses the service of papal troops in the field. An excellent read for anyone interested in the papacy, military reform, and the Risorgimento, or just good military history"—NYMAS Review
"A fascinating study. . . . Offers grist for critical thought on the role of religion in diplomacy and public affairs, the place of the pope in addressing international issues, and some limited examination of the culture of closed systems."—Parameters
"Many parts of this fine book read like an adventure novel. . . . Overall, the book will stand up as a beacon of
the final and enthralling finale of the Papal States."—The Catholic Historical Review
Alvarez provides a fascinating and well-researched history of the Vatican’s military forces in the post-medieval period. . . . Goes beyond previous volumes. . . . I highly recommend this book to any scholar or officer interested in military, Italian, or Roman Catholic history."—Military Review
"A much-needed military history of the papacy in the post-Renaissance era. . . . Besides examining the papal military, Alvarez illuminates much about the military role of small powers and microstates, Italian unification, neutrality issues in WW II, and modern security problems involving high-profile personages. Highly recommended."—Choice
"Alvarez’s fine history merits a place in all academic libraries next to Robert Royal’s fine history of the
Swiss Guard."—Catholic Library World
"In rescuing the pontifical forces from the near oblivion to which many historians of nineteenth-century Italy consign them, Alvarez has produced a volume which I wholeheartedly commend to such authors, and to anyone with more than a passing interest in the story of the papacy."—The Tablet
“An extraordinary and unparalleled work that tells a fascinating story of considerable importance for understanding the history of the Papacy and modern Italy.”—Brian R. Sullivan, coauthor of Il Duce’s Other Woman: The Untold Story of Margherita Sarfatti, Benito Mussolini’s Jewish Mistress, and How She Helped Him Come to Power
“A readable account that makes a new and important contribution to our understanding of Vatican history and affairs.”—Frank Coppa, author of Politics and the Papacy in the Modern World
“Written with admirable detachment, lucidity, and learning.”—D. S. Chambers, author of Popes, Cardinals, and War: The Military Church in Renaissance and Early Modern Europe
