Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
The Collins Press (2008), Edition: 1st Edition, 198 pages
Description
Biography & Autobiography. History. Military. Nonfiction. HTML:During the German occupation of Rome from 1942�??1944, Irishman Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty ran an escape organization for Allied POWs and civilians, including Jews. Safe within the Vatican state, he regularly ventured out in disguise to continue his mission, which earned him the nickname "the Pimpernel of the Vatican." When the Allies entered Rome, he and his collaborators�?? priests, nuns, and laypeople of numerous nationalities and religious beliefs�??had saved the lives of over 6,500 people. The first new telling of this extraordinary story in decades, this book also addresses the fascinating dichotomy between O'Flaherty and Herbert Kappler, the Gestapo chief in Rome who ordered him killed, and who, after the war, reconciled with the monsignor, and even asked him to perform his baptism. For his heroic efforts, O'Flaherty was awarded the highest honors, including a Congressional Medal, and was the first Irishman named the Notary of the Holy Office. His story was immortalized in the 1983 film The Scarlet and the Black, which starred Gregory Peck as O'… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
This book made me cry. The fact that he is so under-recognised in Ireland is a crying shame and the fact that the man had a big enough heart to visit his chief tormenter, a man who would have willingly tortured him. He is a shining example of a good christian.
I had known of Monsignor Hugh
I would recommend reading the Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican as well as this one for other portions of the story, both of them do cover some of the same ground but they both have different slants and opinions about issues. Fleming's advantage is a distance of years, Gallagher's the ability to interview many of the main players.
As Brian Fleming was a member of the Oireachtas he would have had opportunity to ensure that this man was celebrated for his actions. Even though he's no longer a member, he has the connections to make this happen. Though I wouldn't mind myself being celebrated with a grove of trees and a poem by Brendan Kennelly. Maybe it would have been what Monsignor O'Flaherty would have liked himself.
I had known of Monsignor Hugh
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O'Flaherty from The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican and the Scarlet and the Black starring Gregory Peck. He tried his best to save as many people as possible from unjust persecution in Rome during both the days of Mussolini and the later German Occupation, and in doing so incured the wrath of many. A very unassuming man he was surprised by the awards he received and felt that he only did his duty.I would recommend reading the Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican as well as this one for other portions of the story, both of them do cover some of the same ground but they both have different slants and opinions about issues. Fleming's advantage is a distance of years, Gallagher's the ability to interview many of the main players.
As Brian Fleming was a member of the Oireachtas he would have had opportunity to ensure that this man was celebrated for his actions. Even though he's no longer a member, he has the connections to make this happen. Though I wouldn't mind myself being celebrated with a grove of trees and a poem by Brendan Kennelly. Maybe it would have been what Monsignor O'Flaherty would have liked himself.
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LibraryThing member CarolTilson
Thank You Brian Fleming for bringing out the truth.
I purchased this eBook after it was listed for a very low cost with the intention of “getting around to reading it later”. Luckily, it did not collect that much cyber dust. Once I started reading, I could not put it down and was finished in
Before the story is told, the author introduces you to the “Cast of Characters”, which helps tremendously. Unlike many other non-fiction books, there was not one time that I found this book to be dry or boring. It is almost like reading a gripping news article that continues on for over 225 pages. At the end of each chapter, foot notes and bibliographies are added for further reference.
I would highly recommend this book for all ages. If you are old enough to study World War II, you are old enough to read this book. As a Catholic, history buff, and a rather prolific reader, I am grateful to Brian Fleming for bringing this history to life for me. More people should know about the efforts of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty.
I purchased this eBook after it was listed for a very low cost with the intention of “getting around to reading it later”. Luckily, it did not collect that much cyber dust. Once I started reading, I could not put it down and was finished in
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less than 24 hours. It is not a quick book, and at some points, I had to go back and re-read some of the paragraphs because I wanted to fully comprehend what was laid out before me. It was the book I had subconsciously searched for in answer to the rumors of what members of the Vatican did to help save lives of those threatened by the reach of the Third Reich. Before the story is told, the author introduces you to the “Cast of Characters”, which helps tremendously. Unlike many other non-fiction books, there was not one time that I found this book to be dry or boring. It is almost like reading a gripping news article that continues on for over 225 pages. At the end of each chapter, foot notes and bibliographies are added for further reference.
I would highly recommend this book for all ages. If you are old enough to study World War II, you are old enough to read this book. As a Catholic, history buff, and a rather prolific reader, I am grateful to Brian Fleming for bringing this history to life for me. More people should know about the efforts of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty.
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LibraryThing member jetangen4571
It was written by a former member of the Irish Legislature, and is historical documentation.
Msr Hugh O'Flaherty was an Irish priest assigned to the Vatican before and during WW 2. He was also charismatic, a master manipulator, a practicing Christian, highly skilled at organizing and implementing
Brian Troxell does a creditable job of narration.
Purchased on the cheap as Whispersync through BookGorilla.
Msr Hugh O'Flaherty was an Irish priest assigned to the Vatican before and during WW 2. He was also charismatic, a master manipulator, a practicing Christian, highly skilled at organizing and implementing
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the rescue and safety of escaped prisoners of war, despite frequent opposition by his own as well as the obvious. He drew like-minded people to himself and his goals, and they worked together to establish a warren of safe houses and a seemingly endless supply of funds to keep the persecuted alive until Italy and Rome were liberated from their dictator as well as the Nazis. The beginning is devoted to backstory and a chronicle of those who would become a part of this telling, whether positive or negative. The remainder is a compilation of successive events and occurrences well worth knowing.Brian Troxell does a creditable job of narration.
Purchased on the cheap as Whispersync through BookGorilla.
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LibraryThing member bcrowl399
It's amazing to read stories of how the resistance accomplished so much during WWII. The Vatican intrigue is spellbinding and the characters are fleshed out, but I feel perhaps a little more detail could have helped me keep some of them straight more easily. I loved the journal entries especially.
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Monsignor O'Flaherty was truly a hero as were all the members of his network. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2008
Physical description
212 p.; 5.25 inches
ISBN
1905172575 / 9781905172573