Part Three continues the discussion of Europe's inter-war period, paying particular attention to the experiences of Achille Ratti (later Pope Pius XI) before concluding with a glimpse of the Second World War. Throughout the later stages of Unholy War. Kertzer grows more animated, exploring the boundaries of his evidence with a strong style that stands in sharp contrast to the early chapters. Crucially, Kertzer never appears 'anti' or 'pro' Catholic or Jew, always maintaining a suitable balance - although he does occasionally lean to the pessimistic - and he doesn't enter into tabloid theatrics.

While Unholy War has attracted the knee-jerk criticism inevitable of any study concerning religions, other commentators have also been unhappy. The case depends on how you interpret Unholy War. Kertzer has focused solely on the Vatican's role in the rise of modern anti-Semitism, just as the subtitle promises. In doing so, he has introduced a range of invaluable new material into the debate, including once secret Vatican documents and a broader time-frame, which other studies will now use to re-evaluate the relative scale of the Vatican's contribution.

Unholy War isn't a definitive account of modern anti-Semitism or a valuation of Vatican involvement, and further reading is needed to gain an overall understanding, but it is an excellent and undiluted study urgently needed by the wider debate. Equally, as a single volume rebuke to the Vatican Commission, Unholy War is perfect.

Details
U.S.
Publisher: Knopf
ISBN: 0375406239

UK and Europe
Publisher: PanMacmillan
ISBN: 0333780426

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For Citation And Footnotes
Title: Unholy War by David I. Kertzer: A Review
Author: Robert Wilde
Date: 2002