The Scarlet and the Black: The True Story of Monsignor Hugh O Flaherty, Hero of the Vatican Underground [Paperback]

J.P. Gallagher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

It has all the hallmarks of a best-selling fictional thriller: espionage, conspiracy, a struggle against evil powers, undercover work by dark of night... but it's all true. The Scarlet and the Black tells the astonishing and heroic true story of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, the man dubbed "The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican" during World War II.

Born in Killarney, Ireland, Hugh O'Flaherty was an avid athlete-becoming a formidable boxer, handball player, hurler, and golfer. From an early age, however, he knew his calling was to the priesthood. After his ordination, he served first as an Apostolic Delegate in Egypt, Haiti, Santo Domingo, and Czechoslovakia, then in Rome at the Holy Office (now the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith). It was here in Rome that his greatest work began.

After the surrender of Italy in 1943, Rome came under the command of Nazi Colonel Herbert Kappler of the dreaded SS, who began the deportation of Italian Jews to Auschwitz. Kappler was a notorious hater of the Jews, persecuting them at every turn. As a top man in the Vatican Holy Office, Msgr. O'Flaherty sprang into action, organizing a sophisticated team that included men and women of many nationalities, religions, and political views. There was one goal-to save Jews and POWs from the Nazi machine. Despite Kappler's numerous attempts to assassinate him, O'Flaherty persisted, and his efforts saved thousands of Jews and POWs.

Using private homes and apartments, churches and monasteries, the effort was all orchestrated by Msgr. O'Flaherty. Each day his familiar figure would stand on the steps of St. Peter's -neutral ground that even the Nazis wouldn t violate - to welcome any fugitives who might be sent his way. All told, of 9,700 Roman Jews, most were saved, with 1,007 shipped to Auschwitz. The rest were hidden, 5,000 of them by the official Church - 3,000 at the Pope s Castel Gandolfo, 200 or 400 (estimates vary) as "members" of the Palatine Guard, and some 1,500 in monasteries, convents and colleges. The remaining 3,700 were hidden in private homes, including Msgr. O'Flaherty's network of apartments. After the war, O'Flaherty was honored by various Allied countries with awards and decorations for his heroic acts to save Jews and POWs.

This classic account by J.P. Gallagher was adapted into the acclaimed television movie, The Scarlet and the Black, starring Gregory Peck as Msgr. O Flaherty and Christopher Plummer as Colonel Kappler.

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586174096
• ISBN-13: 978-1586174095
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > History > Europe > Vatican

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read., February 1, 2010

By 

Jennifer (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Scarlet and the Black: The True Story of Monsignor Hugh O Flaherty, Hero of the Vatican Underground (Paperback)

Rarely do you come across such exceptional characters in a non-fiction book. Though the book itself was written and published not long after the Monsignor O'Flaherty's death in 1963, J.P. Gallagher cleverly brings him to life through the pages.

There's a more recent edition of the Monsignor's underground activities during the Nazi occupation of Rome - also a great read - however this edition was written when many of key players were still alive. Gallagher simply weaves a wonderful narrative from first-hand accounts.

The author also brings to the forefront the adversity and treachery non-Fascist Romans endured during the Nazi occupation. Gallagher never lets the reader forget how O'Flaherty sustained his unwavering faith; from aiding Allied prisoners and partisans to assisting the conquered Nazis and Fascists at the end of the war.The Catholic Priest was truly a unique man.

Gallagher likewise upholds the right level of balance with the heroism, from the brave Romans who aided the Monsignor in his quest to save the escaped Allied prisoners and local Jewish people, to the key support players who kept the Vatican Underground in operation until the liberation of Rome.

The Vatican Underground is a story that everyone should read.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ultimate humanity, May 26, 2010

By 

wogan "the book reader" - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Scarlet and the Black: The True Story of Monsignor Hugh O Flaherty, Hero of the Vatican Underground (Paperback)

First, be aware that `The Scarlet and the Black' has already been published as ` The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican'. There is no information given in the editorial comments and only on the back cover in very small print are we told this. This is really a pet peeve, especially for those of us that buy books on line - not to be informed when these works are reprinted and sold under another title. This was also made into a movie in 1983 with Gregory Peck, also titled `The Scarlet and the Black'.

But, beyond that this is a stirring tale of what has to be one of the modern era's true saints; a man who without thought for himself saved thousands of allied troops. He worked out a system for hiding these men, many others played a part and some gave their lives or lived through horrendous torture.
This book tells the story of Msgr. Hugh O'Flaherty, an Irishman serving in the Vatican during WWII. His humanity did not stop with allied serviceman, but after the liberation of Rome he turned to assist the Germans and Fascists left behind, then Italian prisoners of war and Jews needing a home.

As you read, the inhumanity of an occupying force becomes a haunting background - the strain and stress of living under constant surveillance and threat is unbelievable. Then there is the joy of liberation and O'Flaherty's work continues until his death.
This is truly an inspiring work, of interest to those who read of church history, WWII, or just unbelievable good works against the worst imaginable circumstances.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book you will never forget:, April 13, 2010

By 

Little One "littlelinnie" (Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Scarlet and the Black: The True Story of Monsignor Hugh O Flaherty, Hero of the Vatican Underground (Paperback)

It is hard to find the right words to comment on this book. It is just a wonderful tribute to the life of a very very special man. His bravery was just outstanding. It is an excellent read and you cannot help feel just amazed when you realise just what a difference he made to so many people. A true hero.