The Rhine Flows into the Tiber: A History of Vatican II Paperback – December 1, 1991

I have found no better single volume on Vatican II. Professor Matttei, in his recent history of the Council, presents a great deal of detail, and perspective on many more of the participants, but it is almost too much. It is also worth noting that the professor cites Fr. Wiltgen's work in many places in his own volume.Fr. Wiltgen presents a unique view of the proceedings, giving a real sense of presence at the Council, without burying the reader in excessive detail. He was there, after all, and published a journal for the bishops at the Council. Unlike several of the books published later, this is not a polemic, but a journal, and in the spirit of what journalism used to be: objective reporting of events.I have a copy of the original paperback, and am very happy now to have the revised volume on my Kindle, making it easy to reference when I am away from home.

This is another of the books that has long been on my "search" list, and has been out of print for some time. I'm grateful that it has now been reprinted, and is available to help Catholics understand the influence/direction that shaped Vatican II to a large extent. THaving read the Documents of Vatican II, (I learned more from the footnotes than from the text itself) and gained insight into thedirection, but was still left with the "Who, where, what, why and how" questions.So many questions answered! I highly recommend this for Catholics searching for answers after Vatican II.

This is a must read for those interested in the council. It's an observation view with little spin. However, it does not adequate adequately address the problems with the council itself in the timebombs there in

Important work, must read

Just finished reading this book and it is an amazing and concise account of the inner workings of the Council and the legislative battles that took place. It is by no means exhaustive and is almost neutral to a fault, but for anyone who wants a non-polemical account of the Council that captures the spirit of the times in which it happened, this is an excellent read.

To those who want an unbiased exposition on what went on behind the scenes of Vatican II, this is an excellent book. I think the human element of the Council (e.g. politics and conflicting agendas) is brought into the light. To those who naively claim VII was simply the product of the Holy Spirit, this book will undeceive them.

Detailed analysis well worth the read no matter where your alliances may fall.

Accurate and well validated by one who was truly a professional. Read this and you will understand what has happened to the Church, thanks to liberals. in the last fifty years. Real eye opener.