A Pope and a President Audiobook By Paul Kengor cover art

A Pope and a President

John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and the Extraordinary Untold Story of the 20th Century

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A Pope and a President

By: Paul Kengor
Narrated by: James Anderson Foster
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About this listen

Even as historians credit Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II with hastening the end of the Cold War, they have failed to recognize the depth or significance of the bond that developed between the two leaders.

Acclaimed scholar and best-selling author Paul Kengor changes that. In this fascinating book, he reveals a singular bond - which included a spiritual connection between the Catholic pope and the Protestant president - that drove the two men to confront what they knew to be the great evil of the 20th century: Soviet communism.

Reagan and John Paul II almost didn't have the opportunity to forge this relationship: just six weeks apart in the spring of 1981, they took bullets from would-be assassins. But their strikingly similar near-death experiences brought them close together - to Moscow's dismay.

A Pope and a President is the product of years of research. Based on Kengor's tireless archival digging and his unique access to Reagan insiders, this book reveals captivating new details on a relationship that changed history.

©2017 Paul Kengor (P)2017 Tantor
20th Century Communism & Socialism History & Theory International Relations World Pope Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

"No Reagan biographer or scholar knows Ronald Reagan and conservatism like Paul Kengor." (Michael Reagan)

What listeners say about A Pope and a President

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This is the best book I have ever read about Reagan.

I loved it so much I bought it in print and in audio. It is something I can read over and over again and still not tire of. I highly recommend this book.

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6 people found this helpful

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Amazing!!

Such an inspiring and interesting read!! I couldn't stop and didn't want it to end.

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2 people found this helpful

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Informative and inspiring

I was Born in Poland in 1968 thus I know many details of the book first hand but only from the polish point of view. The canvas on which the book is written is very broad and researched in details. I was amazed to learned all the facts regarding other Eastern European countries, 20-century papacy and Reagan. The connections the author makes between the historical facts and the Divine interventions are amazing. In the end I find myself deeply moved and inspired. I recommend this book to any Pole especially to those who think they know the story.

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1 person found this helpful

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Terrific Book

This book is a combination spy novel, history book, spiritual book, and uplifting book. It is just terrific. If you’re interested in history, spirituality and entertainment, buy this book!

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This should be required reading for our youth today!

What a magnificent book! Growing up in the 80s and 90s and witnessing the conclusion of this amazing story we had no idea of all the incredible story behind the scenes. The initial explanation of atheistic communism and socialism and how it has infiltrated the fabric of our current society is a required reading for a youth so we can confront our current challenges.

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Quality in depth book

Surprisingly good quantity of new information. Keeps your attention and a good recap of the Cold War.

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beautiful account

A beautiful account of the partnership of a Catholic Pope and a Protestant President that brought down an Evil Empire.

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Great details about Christian faith and history

Comprehensive details behind life of John Paul II and Ronal Reagan, as well as their similarities and connections through anti-communism and Christian faith.

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A masterpiece!

The book “capture” my attention from its title...after that, I was hooked! An amazing work of non -fiction. I grew up in the 80’s but was Not a fan of Reagan. Sadly, At that time I knew little and cared even less about learning my religion. The Pope was a very distant figure whom I thought unreachable. This story, exceptionally researched, absolutely detailed, extremely objective. I loved how the author was able to “paint” a perfect picture of just how intertwined the lives of these to extraordinary men really were. Highly recommend this book to all history, politics, and theology nerds.

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Great book. I truly enjoyed listening.

The book answered many important questions for me. I was born in Bulgaria and was there during the time of the attempted assassination and at the fall of the Berlin wall. The book made me appreciate highly Saint John Paul 2 and Presidet Reagan.

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