A look at popes and the papacy through the prism of the names associated with the popes -- whether they be birth, priestly, or assumed names. It is the first in-depth exploration of papal names and their meanings with a revised history of papal name changes, a complete account of the rationales for the 125 known instances of assumed names, and a slew of new ‘factoids.’ The first documented instance of papal name change was when Mercurius, in 533 A.D., opted not to introduce the name of a pagan god into the papal rolls. Marcellus II, in 1555, was the last pope, to date, to have retained his prior name, thereby breaking a 494 year tradition . ‘Marcellus’, however, is a name derived from ‘Mars’ – the Roman god of war! The history of papal name changes contains many such intriguing twists and turns, in particular Anacletus, Sixtus I, Zephryrinus and Julis II. This book sets out to highlight them all and thereby plug a hitherto little explored aspect of papal history. Despite the interest in papal names, there has been very little dedicated analysis pertaining to their evolution. Consequently, there are many inaccuracies and omissions. Papal name change could be a much older practice than originally believed. This book is an attempt to rectify the lack of attention hitherto afforded to the story and the glory of papal names. It is a by-product of a computer-aided papal history project undertaken by the author. Web site. This book is not meant to be controversial. The subject matter, though often beguiling, still does not, however, provide sufficient scope to incite bona fide dissension. This book is meant to enlighten, and hopefully entertain. With it, the author hopes to put a stake in the ground vis-à-vis our understanding of papal names.
I was born in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) a long time ago, came of age in Britain (an Anglophile to the core), and have lived in the U.S. since 1985.
For over 30 years I tried to make a living in the computer industry and was employed by the likes of IBM, Wang and BBN. Due to a genetic disposition, writing, however, is my weakness. I wrote my first book in 1983, 500 pages in longhand, in pencil, distrusting early PCs and too inept to use a typewriter. It was about a networking architecture, now long obsolete. The book, nonetheless, is still available here. Since then, I have written four other dense books on technology and upwards of 350 published articles.
Sometimes when the planets are propitiously aligned, I produce graphic marketing collateral for select clients and creates image-laden Web sites. I also maintain a number of rather popular blogs. Many are to do with popes but one is about Windows 7!
My first name means 'a guiding light,' while 'Guruge' stands for 'from the house of the teacher.' Both my parents were teachers. I have also taught, albeit grad and post-grad classes. But, this said, I am not sure whether I have ever lived up to my name.
My mother, and since then quite a few others, refered to me as 'Anu.' In my thirties I discovered that Babylonians paid homage to an 'Anu.' My mother was unlikely to have known that. I have never had any desire to change any of my names.
I have a Master's degree in Computer Science from the University of London and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Technology from the University of Wales. Having once lived in the original Hampshire, I now live in New Hampshire.
Web site: www.guruge.com
