A press release from Doubleday:
DOUBLEDAY ACQUIRES POPE BENEDICT XVI’S
FIRST BOOK AS HOLY FATHER
December 12, 2006, New York, NY—Pope Benedict XVI’s first book as the Holy Father has been acquired by Doubleday, it was announced today by Bill Barry, Vice President and Publisher of the company’s religious publishing division. Entitled JESUS OF NAZARETH: From His Baptism to His Transfiguration, the book, which will be written for the general reader, will be published in Spring 2007. Barry acquired world English, first serial, audio and exclusive Spanish language rights in North America from the Italian publisher Rizzoli, which licensed international rights to the book at the behest of Libreria Editrice Vaticana (LEV), the publishing arm of the Vatican.
“Having previously published works by Popes John XXIII and John Paul II,” said Barry, “we are especially honored by the Holy Father’s confidence in Doubleday in entrusting to us the English language publication of his book. His scores of books written as the theologian Joseph Ratzinger demonstrate His Holiness’s erudition, but the appeal of this work will be in the personal passion he means to share about the intimate friendship with Jesus as the central figure of Christianity. It is truly a gift for all believers and sure to be an instant spiritual classic.”
JESUS OF NAZARETH represents the culmination of Pope Benedict’s lifelong quest to defend historical Christianity in the modern world. It is, he writes in the book’s preface, the result of a “long interior journey,” and “an expression of [his] personal search for the face of the Lord.” He began work on the project in the summer of 2003 and because, as he explains, “I don’t know how much time and how much strength I will still be given, I have decided to publish the first 10 chapters [from Baptism to Transfiguration] as volume one.” In the book, Pope Benedict paints a vivid portrait of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels and asserts that “only if something extraordinary happened, if the figure and words of Jesus radically exceeded all the hopes and expectations of his age, can his crucifixion and his effectiveness be explained.”
The Doubleday Broadway Publishing Group is a division of Random House Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG.
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No word if Ignatius will also be publishing an edition.
I’m amazed that B16 isn’t publishing with Ignatius since all his previous books were, I believe, published through them. I am surprised especially in light of his close association with Joseph Fessio, S.J., founder of Ignatius.
Doubleday? Isn’t it ironic that BXVI’s book will be published by the guys who published the Da Vinci Code?
I’ve heard Fr. Fessio say that they (Ignatius Press) had an written agreement to print all of Cardinal Ratzinger’s books. I remember him saying, on the day of B16’s election, that they were going to make sure that the agreement was kept in a safe place. I wonder what happened?
Maybe Fr. Fessio’s feelings were hurt when he didn’t get appointed Archbishop of San Francisco and thus didn’t want to publish the book.
Okay, maybe that isn’t very likely.
Anon:
Does anybody really want to be Archbishop of San Francisco?
Does anybody really want to be Archbishop of San Francisco?
I wouldn’t be surprised if Andrew Sullivan does.
It may have to do partly with the book’s intended audience and Doubleday’s distribution channels, versus the ones available to Ignatius.
Still… I’d much rather buy from them than Doubleday.
…and Doubleday’s distribution channels, versus the ones available to Ignatius.
I was thinking along the same lines and, really, that’s a good thing since it will make his work more available to the public far and wide!
Amazon lists the publication date from Ignatius as April 30, 2007.
Thanks, Jeb! I figured Ignatius would have an edition of it out as well.
Jeb,
Thanks for that!
Book Description
Who is Jesus? According to the wildly popular book and film, The Da Vinci Code, Jesus was a merely human figure whose original message was distorted by his followers.
Not so, argues Pope Benedict XVI in this inspiring, well-argued, and thoughtful new book. Benedict sums up two thousand years of Christian insight about the person and work of Jesus Christ. The early Christians did not misrepresent Jesus. Indeed, their understanding of Jesus is the one that makes the most sense based on the historical evidence.
“Who do men say that I am?” Jesus asked his disciples. The answer to that question is as crucial and timely today as when it was first asked two thousand years ago. Jesus Christ remains the pivotal figure of human history.
In his first major book written as Pope, Benedict XVI looks at various answers to the question of Jesus’ identity. He shows in a “theological narrative” how the Christ of the Gospels, the Jesus of the Church’s faith, is the genuine Jesus of history. He presents Jesus as someone we can know personally, and someone who knows and loves us. And who sacrificed himself for our salvation.
Jesus of Nazareth also continues the conversation about the relationship of Christianity and other world religions. Benedict XVI affirms the truth found in other religions, but he also expresses the Christian conviction that Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, embodies the fullness of truth, God’s immense love for the world.
——————————
Product Details
Hardcover: 200 pages
Publisher: Ignatius Press (April 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN: 1586171984
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Nazareth-Pope-Benedict-XVI/dp/1586171984/sr=1-1/qid=1166144727/ref=sr_1_1/105-4869903-8574042?ie=UTF8&s=books
Awesome cover, though —
Yet, only 200 pages?
I hope it’s comprehensive (albeit, it does have only 10 chapters for now).
Although, having seen Cardinal Ratzinger’s work in the past, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed!
I’d say 200 pages is more than enough for Benedict. Spirit of the Liturgy was 250 pages; Many Religions, One Covenant was 180; and Called to Communion was 165 pages. Much food for thought packed into those tiny books. =)
Doubleday–publisher of the Davinci Code. I think this book couldn’t have a more appropriate publisher. This way the book will reach the same shelves.
I think the Pope is going after Dan Brown, J. D. Crossan, and the whole Jesus Seminar lot. This is going to be big–as I’ve said, “Theology of the Body”-type big. And with a publisher like Doubleday, the book will even get more attention.
I’ve been posting on this for a while now. Here’s a roundup of all the details of the book: http://singinginthereign.blogspot.com/2006/12/pope-book-news-roundup.html
Also, see my November and December posts for a full series on historical Jesus research, issues, and figures.
One more thing… note the post (video) on Islam’s use of historical Jesus reconstructions. Muslim scholars have been using critical scholarship for years to discredit the New Testament.
I think the Pope’s attempt to set the record straight also needs to be placed, then, within the context of Muslim-Christian dialogue. This is a battle of worldviews–a battle of the teachings of two religion’s founders. But to have that debate, we have to do the scholarly leg work.
Thanks B16.
I’d say 200 pages is more than enough for Benedict. Spirit of the Liturgy was 250 pages; Many Religions, One Covenant was 180; and Called to Communion was 165 pages. Much food for thought packed into those tiny books. =)
Actually, that’s what I meant by my latter remark. ;^)
But, given the enormity of the task in this one (e.g., wrestling with matters concerning the historical Jesus and the one presented in the Gospels), I thought this particular work would necessitate a greater number of pages.
However, I must admit, as some would say, he is much like a Mozart, in a way, when it comes to the written work! In spite of the brevity, there is much a masterful stroke in the way he writes.
God bless him — and long may he reign as our Pope!
Italics Off!
As noted previously on Professor Blosser’s blog:
Father Raymond Brown would say (about B16’s “new” book”), “Been there, done that” with my 878 page “imprimatured” review entitled “An Introduction to the NEW Testament”. Ditto for
Luke Johnson with his, The Real Jesus and NT Wright with his three volume set, The New Testament and the People of God, Jesus and the Victory of God, and The Resurrection and the Son of God.
Or as some would say, “the Bible is true because it says it is”.
The man who puts to one side any consideration of the reality of God is a realist only in appearance.” The Spirit of the Liturgy page 21, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Well, I guess if Benedict XVI thought Brown and co had said all there was to say he wouldn’t have bothered writing it. Apparently he sees something lacking in their presentation that he thinks he can improve on. Are you planning on reading it, Realist? I haven’t decided myself, mainly because I’m not sure my intellect is up to par, seeing as how I spend my days with ‘Green Eggs and Ham’. Can someone tell me if Benedict is accessable to non-innerleckshuls?
Bold off.
Or as some would say, “the Bible is true because it says it is”.
Uhhhh… Realist, actually Catholics don’t say that.
hmmmmm… I wonder how the bible came to be?
Oh, that’s right!
It fell right out of the air, complete with all the books already present in there… and a Fairy actually told people, “It’s inspired! Its carries within it the Word of God!”
Fairy dust was sprinkled upon all, and the Myth of Jesus Christ, Superstar, was born!
Can someone tell me if Benedict is accessable to non-innerleckshuls
I actually read some of his work, and I’m nowhere near an innerleckshul! ;^)
Hey, and don’t put down ‘Green Eggs and Ham’!!!
That’s some fine litterachure there!
Are you planning on reading it, Realist?
DON’T READ IT REALIST!!!
IT MIGHT ACTUALLY CHALLENGE YOUR CROSSAN BELIEFS!!!! NO, BAD, BAD, BAD FOR YOU!
Monica,
Here is a link to some works of Pope Benedict XVI that are online.
The second link has an Excerpts from Books section.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Thanks, Inocencio! I’ll give it a whirl with my coffee in the morning.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
Esau, that’s a good one! 😀
“Thanks, Jeb! I figured Ignatius would have an edition of it out as well.”
I think,Jimmy, that the info. from Amazon was created prior to the Doubleday announcement. It is legally impossible that Jesus of Nazaretn by B16 can be published simultaneously by two publishers.
Sorry, that was me…
“Thanks, Jeb! I figured Ignatius would have an edition of it out as well.”
I think,Jimmy, that the info. from Amazon was created prior to the Doubleday announcement. It is legally impossible that Jesus of Nazaretn by B16 can be published simultaneously by two publishers.
Pope makes mincemeat of Jesus Seminar… Hot Ziggity! Can’t wait to read it.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
Esau, that’s a good one! 😀
Thanks!
That’s all Christianity is, really.
Fodder for a Musical and for the makings of a Myth, as some would have it.
Publication by multiple publishers isn’t strictly impossible, but it would be an unusual contract to allow it.
I simply can’t imagine Doubleday’s contract allowing this…but, yes, it is technically possible. I have never seen done but there is always a first.
I think Brian is right… the information that Amazon has about a book prior to its actual publication isn’t always accurate (Tom Clancy fans know that his next book was to be published this last May, and the August, according to Amazon.com).
It appears that Ignatius has exclusive rights to what Cardinal Ratzinger published, but not *necessarily* to what Pope Benedict has written, because I really can’t see Fr. Fessio passing on this.
to ALL:
Dan Brown? well DOUBLEDAY also publshed Raymond Arroyo’s book, “Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve, and a Network of Miracles” and his soon to be released “Mother Angelica’s Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality” and LOTS of other GOOD books.
… a few weeks ago, I pre-ordered my copy at Amazon.com so it will be interesting to see which publisher they will send me.
Well, given that Raymond Brown is dead, I’m not sure how he’ll be dismissing Benedict’s latest contribution. But I’m amused, Realist, that you believe that scholarly discourse is a once and for all matter. You must know that Fr. Brown revisited his own ideas many times, and N.T. Wright, whom you also mention, is engaged in an ongoing dialogue with other scholars. I have no doubt Wright will be reading Benedict’s book and will have an opinion on it past “I already covered this subject!”
Speaking of which, have you read N.T. Wright’s work? It’s well worth reading.
Eileen, When i saw your comment, I thought ‘Raymond Brown’ is a fusion between Dan Brown and Raymond Arroyo. LOL.
Esau, Don’t get me wrong. I like JCS. While it is flawed at times, I think it’s a nice musical.But you’re right in a sense. Many people are finding Christianity a pain in the neck and do all they can to discredit either the Institution or the Founder. When people don’t hurl attacks at Christians, they go on and ‘disprove’ Jesus’life,deeds and claims, saying that;
…Yeah,He is real, but many of His teachings and miracles were just put into His mouth by the guys who wrote the Gospels. (And oh, the guys who wrote it aren’t the guys whom the Gospels were ascribed to but people who were followers of them guys.)
…He might bereal, But Jesus is actually some crackpot who dreamt He is some ‘special’ guy who is the Messiah.
Or if nothing else works,
He didn’t exist. He was just some character invented by a bored Writer’s club to cure their boredom; thus, He is as ‘real’ as Oedipus or Harry Potter.
According to the press release, Doubleday acquired the world publishing rights to this work in its English translation. Presumably Doubleday could then decide to license others to publish their own editions, but that’s highly unlikely to happen. Which is a good thing.
When the Catechism of the Catholic Church was first released in the U.S., there were multiple U.S. publishers. While some of them were regular Catholic publishers, others weren’t, and not one was a major secular publisher. This diffusion of publishers, and the lack of a wide distribution network, probably prevented the Catechism from making bestseller lists and thus bringing greater attention to it.
Esau, Don’t get me wrong. I like JCS. While it is flawed at times, I think it’s a nice musical.But you’re right in a sense. Many people are finding Christianity a pain in the neck and do all they can to discredit either the Institution or the Founder. When people don’t hurl attacks at Christians, they go on and ‘disprove’ Jesus’life,deeds and claims, saying that;
…Yeah,He is real, but many of His teachings and miracles were just put into His mouth by the guys who wrote the Gospels. (And oh, the guys who wrote it aren’t the guys whom the Gospels were ascribed to but people who were followers of them guys.)
…He might bereal, But Jesus is actually some crackpot who dreamt He is some ‘special’ guy who is the Messiah.
Or if nothing else works,
He didn’t exist. He was just some character invented by a bored Writer’s club to cure their boredom; thus, He is as ‘real’ as Oedipus or Harry Potter.
Actually, if I remember correctly, talk about flaws, I think the context of the Jesus Christ, Superstar story seemed based on the Gospel of Judas, where Jesus had asked Judas to betray him, and he was, in the story, actually portrayed as one of Jesus’ favorite apostles!
Pope’s Book Passes 1 Million in Sales
Rome, Apr. 30, 2007 (CWNews.com) – More than 1 million copies of the new book by Pope Benedict XVI (bio – news), Jesus of Nazareth, have been sold in just 2 weeks.
The Italian edition of Jesus of Nazareth has sold 510,000 copies, while the German edition has sold 480,000, and the Polish edition 100,000, the latest figures show. The book went on sale on April 16, the Pope’s 80th birthday.
The English-language version of the book, to be published by Doubleday, is due to appear on May 15.
Link:
Pope’s book passes 1 million in sales