Spinello (Boston College) has written the first general introduction to all of John Paul II's encyclicals. The book does not discuss the pope's other works except in passing, but Spinello devotes useful space to describing the pre-papal writings and their relation to the encyclicals. Written from the viewpoint of a convinced conservative partisan of John Paul II, the focus of this book is on the pope's anthropology, ethics, and relation to contemporary philosophical and theological currents. Spinello sees John Paul II's thought as a whole, resting on Thomistic metaphysics and a strong commitment to personal freedom and responsibility grounded in truth exercised in relationship to others. All of this is viewed through Saint John of the Cross's notion that love is self-gift: "Man finds himself through a sincere gift of self" (Dominus et Vivificantem, 1986)....It is a useful introduction. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty.

Choice Reviews

Source: Splendor of Truth

This book really explores his writings and the consistent vision behind them. It helps to provide a better understanding of his underlying philosophy and how to get the most out of them and his other works.

Much more than just a quick summary and really a insightful guide into understanding these encyclicals

Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies

Blessed John Paul II will rank among the truly great popes in history, not only for the immense impact he has had on the social and political fortunes of Poland and Europe, but also for the leadership he has provided in renewing the intellectual and spiritual life of the Church and world. Professor Spinello's collection of the Pope's fourteen encyclicals with his insightful introduction and commentary belongs in every thoughtful person's library.

Rev. Matthew L. Lamb, Ave Maria University

Just as we should read again as adults the great books we first encountered in high school, so 'JP Catholics' who grew up under the fatherly care of that great Pope will want to study his teachings again, as mature Catholics who have perhaps started their own families, or followed a priestly or religious vocation. For that second look and deeper encounter, Richard Spinello's book will prove a helpful starting point and guide.

Michael Pakaluk, Ave Maria University

With this very accessible and beautifully written book, Spinello has done us all a great service. Scholars of Blessed Pope John Paul II will find a depth of analysis that reveals both the foundations and the implications of the late Holy Father's body of work - while those who simply wish to understand the man himself will find the secret to his influence on the Church and on the world illuminated and explained. It is a must read for anyone with an interest in bringing the teaching of John Paul II to life in contemporary culture.

Deborah Savage, St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity, University of St. Thomas

Like Sources of Renewal, the handbook that John Paul II himself composed while he was a young bishop for the better understanding of the documents of Vatican II in Poland, Richard Spinello’s handbook on the encyclicals of John Paul II is just the sort of volume that we need. John Paul II’s writings are worthy of our careful study, and this analysis provides all the necessary background and helps to guide a reader through even the most complex arguments.

Joseph W. Koterski S.J., Fordham University