The History of Vatican II, Vol. 2: The Formation of the Council's Identity, First Period and Intersession, October 1962-September 1963

This second volume of the much-acclaimed "History of Vatican II" describes the dramatic first session of the Council as it assembles in 1962. Among its highlights are the story of Pope John XXIII's opening speech, the bishops' unexpected repudiation of the doctrinal texts they had been expected to "rubber stamp", and their overwhelming approval of a new openness in the church.