The Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 4 by Émile Zola

"The Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 4" by Émile Zola is a novel written during the late 19th century. This installment continues the story of Pierre Froment, a young priest navigating the complex and often treacherous ecclesiastical world of Rome as he defends his controversial book amidst political and religious intrigue within the Catholic Church. The opening of this volume introduces Pierre as he eagerly seeks to resolve the challenges posed by the Congregation of the Index, which has condemned his book. He grapples with the proper approach to influential cardinals, receiving advice from the timid Don Vigilio, who cautions him about the political dynamics at play. As Pierre visits various clergy members, he learns about the intricate web of ambition and rivalry within the Church, particularly the scheming presence of the Jesuits. He is increasingly aware of the stakes involved, not only for his work but for the future of the Church itself, leading him deeper into a conflict that challenges his beliefs and aspirations. The narrative paints a vivid picture of institutional power struggles, setting the stage for Pierre's moral and spiritual dilemma. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Zola, Émile, 1840-1902
Translator Vizetelly, Ernest Alfred, 1853-1922
Title The Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 4
Credits Produced by Dagny and David Widger
Reading Level Reading ease score: 64.8 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Language English
LoC Class PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Subject Clergy -- Fiction
Subject Rome (Italy) -- Fiction
Subject Catholics -- Fiction
Subject Christian pilgrims and pilgrimages -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 8724
Release Date
Last Update Jan 10, 2026
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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