Basil Hume: The Monk Cardinal

On his death in 1999, the London Times observed: “Few churchmen in this century, inside or outside the Catholic Church, have died more deeply loved.” Basil Hume’s 23-year reign brought with it a state of harmony within the Catholic Church that hadn’t been enjoyed for four centuries. A deeply holy man, Hume knew at an early age the path he wanted to follow, but it was never an easy journey. Ultimately, however, nothing could deter his dedication to that in which he believed, including his tireless campaign on behalf of the Maguire Seven and the Guildford Four. Granted unique access to Cardinal Hume’s private papers and the people who knew him best, Anthony Howard chronicles Hume’s long reign with clarity and insight.