The Next Pope [Paperback]

Anura Guruge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 19, 2010

Please check out the new, expanded, revised and cheaper, 2011 edition of this book, 'The Next Pope 2011'. It is available right here from Amazon. Just click on my author name above or do a search for 'The Next Pope 2011'. Thank you.
I am keeping this book listed for those that might want both copies since the papabili listed and described in this book are different to those in the 2011 issue.
Plus, this book has been reviewed by the likes of the Catholic News Agency and some top reviewers at Amazon. Thank you. Anura Guruge.
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The definitive, no stones left unturned handbook for the next papal election following the reign of the current pope, Benedict XVI. By the author of 'Popes and the Tale of Their Names.' This is a book for anybody that is interested in the popes, papacy, conclaves and Catholicism. This large book is full of insights, analysis, opinions, statistics and trivia. The author's prior book was applauded for its unique look at papal history through the prism of papal names. This book, six times the size, covers potential papabili, papal eligibility, conclaves, papal elections, College of Cardinals and papal names with a similar passion and intensity. A must read for anybody even vaguely interested about popes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Catholic News Agency (CNA) review: catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=1249

'This book will be of interest to scholar and general reader and it is a must for those interested in anything about the Papacy.' -- by Br. Benet S. Exton, June 4, 2010.

From the Author

Anura Guruge

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 322 pages
• Publisher: WOWNH LLC; 2nd Revised edition (August 19, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 061535372X
• ISBN-13: 978-0615353722
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 0.7 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,342,649 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A gold mine of information March 12, 2010

By Schmerguls VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

No one who is intrigued by papal history (as I am) should be without this book. While it is not footnoted and its bibliography is slim, it bears evidence of careful and exhaustive and unusual research. It lists, in order, the ten Cardinals at present who the author deems most likely to be the next Pope, and sets out the reasoning behind the selections. The rules governing a conclave are set out in great detail, and the history of papal selection is recounted quite fully. The book can be read haphazardly, but I read it cover to cover, since I did not wnat o miss any part of what the author recounts. I had previously read the author's Popes and the Tales of Their Names, and was so impressed by it that I bought this book as soon as it was available.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN PAPAL HISTORY March 4, 2010

By Byron Hoover

Format:Paperback

This book represents the most comprehensive scholarship to date on the analysis of how popes have been and will be selected. The author covers every aspect of the dynamics of conclaves, including a detailed synopsis of the last nine papal elections. Every possible detail is covered, including the number of electors, the major papal contenders, and even the number of times the Sistine Chapel smokestack emitted black or white smoke to signal the progress of each conclave. There is also a chapter on papal names which augments Mr. Guruge's earlier groundbreaking book on the subject. The author possesses the rare gift of organizing extensive source material covering twenty centuries to provide the reader with excellent research that is unprecedented. Examples include the hierarchy of oldest and youngest cardinals elected pope, the choice of papal names over the centuries, and the computation of the longest and shortest reigns. Whether the reader is new to the subject matter or has extensive background in the field, this book serves their needs effectively. The author treats every aspect of the material with appropriate respect and dignity befitting the office of the papacy, and his fluid writing style enhances the superlative scholarship. This book is a must read for scholars, students, and everyone interested in the papacy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Go Behind the Shroud of Mystery March 3, 2010

By "DallasBob"

Format:Paperback

If you've ever wondered how Popes are selected (not like in "Angels & Demons") then you need to read "The Next Pope" by Anura Guruge. You'll get a great education and tons of Papal trivia to boot!