Publications

Newman: A Short Biography

John Henry Newman was a controversial figure in Victorian England. He was highly regarded as an Oxford don and Anglican Divine. His sudden conversion to Catholicism caused him unexpected grief and challenges but towards the end of his life he was created a Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII.

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Books That Changed History

Dorling Kindersley, 2017.
Turn the pages of the most famous books of all time and marvel at the stories behind them. Over seventy-five of the world's most celebrated, rare, and seminal books are examined and explained in this stunning treasury.

Books That Changed History is a unique encyclopedia spanning the history of the written word, from 3000 BCE to the modern day. Chronological chapters show the evolution of human knowledge and the changing ways in which books are made. Discover incredible coverage of history's most influential books including the Mahabharata, Shakespeare's First Folio, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Penguin's first ever paperbacks.
From Darwin's groundbreaking On the Origin of Species to Louis Braille's conception of the Braille system that we still use today, these are world-famous books that have had the biggest impact on history.

Every book is presented with breathtaking photography and fascinating biographies of those who created them. Books That Changed History gathers dictionaries, diaries, plays, poems, treaties, and religious texts into one stunning celebration of the undisputed power of books.

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Journey

Dorling Kindersley in association with the Smithsonian Institution, 2017.
For some 60,000 years, humans have explored the world out of necessity and curiosity. 'Journey' explores travel in all its varied forms, an illustrated account of human movement, travel, exploration, and scientific discovery—from the first trade networks in ancient Sumer to the epic Voyager missions.

Arranged in seven 'ages', this in-depth exploration of more than 140 travel-related topics includes the Trans-Saharan Salt Caravans, The Railway Age, claiming the South Pole, the stories of the soldiers of Alexander the Great who marched all the way from Greece to northern India, the Polynesian sailors who set off across vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean in search of new islands to colonize and the merchants who transported goods along the mountainous Silk Road from China to Europe... Alongside each topic are the biographies of conquerors, explorers, and travelers.
Lead contributing author Michael Collins writes: “Today, luxury tourism is the largest-growing industry in the world. Voyages into space continue to broaden our understanding of the vast expanses beyond our galaxy, yet the sea floor of our planet remains largely unexplored. Many people have gone before us, and we can be sure that many more will pass beyond the limits of our present horizons.”

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Pope Francis: A Photograpic Portrait of the People's Pope

Dorling Kindersley, 2015
With more than 250 previously unpublished photographs, Pope Francis: A Photographic Portrait of the People's Pope follows the pontiff through a year in his life, from daily prayers to international pastoral visits, offering a rare look at life behind the scenes with His Holiness Pope Francis.

Inspiring photographs from Pope Francis's official photographer Rodolfo Felici capture both significant and informal events, from papal visits throughout the world to spontaneous moments at the Vatican, creating an exceptionally intimate portrait of the pope and an inside look at papal life. In Pope Francis: A Photographic Portrait of the People's Pope, this close-up is coupled with the inside knowledge of author Father Michael Collins, a former adviser at the Vatican, who provides a complete look at Pope Francis's journey from his boyhood in Argentina to the workings of the papacy and the Holy City.

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Francis: Bishop of Rome (2nd edition)

Liturgical Press, 2015
In Francis: Bishop of Rome, Fr. Michael Collins introduced readers to the pope who has grabbed the attention and the spiritual imaginations of Catholics and others around the world. Now, in this second edition, Collins takes account of the most important events and development of his remarkable pontificate. With a focus on compassion, Francis has challenged world leaders to be more attentive to the poor, begun important reforms of the Curia and the Vatican Bank, and called for two synods of bishops to discuss pastoral challenges that face modern families. This new edition, which is 25% longer than the first, includes more details about Jorge Bergoglio's early life and a far more expansive understanding of the pontificate of this remarkable spiritual leader.

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Liturgical Press

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Paul VI Pilgrim Pope

Liturgical Press, 2018
Pope Paul VI (1963-78) was one of the most important and influential pontiffs of the twentieth century. In this engaging biography, Michael Collins examines this deeply spiritual man who is remembered as a reformer, evangelizer, and pilgrim.
Pope Paul's pontificate was marked by an unprecedented series of international journeys, establishing a practice that his successors developed even further. These brought him face-to-face with modern life throughout the globe and the challenge of making the Christian message relevant in a secular world. Paul VI is regarded for his efforts to reduce poverty in the developing world, bolster the church's rejection of artificial birth control, and foster better relations between Catholics and Orthodox and Reformed Christians. He was beatified in 2014 by Pope Francis.

This title won two Honourable Mentions in the Catholic Publishers Awards 2019

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Good Pope John

Columba Press, 2014
Pope John XXIII was one of the most popular pontiffs of all time. John endeared himself to Catholics and non-Catholics alike with his wisdom and sense of humour. In contrast to some of his predecessors, John was friendly and did not stand on ceremony. In Good Pope John, Michael Collins traces the life and times of this remarkable man. The reader travels with Angelo Roncalli from his birthplace in Sotto il Monte to the Vatican, gaining an insight into the mind and soul of Good Pope John.

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Francis: Bishop of Rome (1st edition)

Columba Press, 2013
From the moment that Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica, having taken the name of Francis, history already had been made. To identify himself in that moment as the Bishop of Rome rather than Pope already suggested a different approach to the Petrine ministry than what we have come to know. Pope Francis's words and actions since that day have only confirmed it-dramatically at times.

Who is Francis, Bishop of Rome? In this short biography, Fr. Michael Collins, international author and Vatican expert, introduces readers to the man now called to lead the Catholic Church. Includes content on Pope's Francis's encyclical Lumen Fidei.

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Liturgical Press

Amazon

The Illustrated Bible Story by Story

Dorling Kindersley, 2012
"The Illustrated Bible Story by Story" is an indispensable retelling of the stories that have absorbed readers for centuries. With comprehensive and objective coverage of every major covenant, prophecy, miracle, and parable in the Old and New Testaments, set clearly in their historical and religious context, the uniquely accessible approach appeals to a general readership of any faith, making this an ideal gift as well as an essential resource for homes, schools, and libraries.

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John Paul II: The Path to Sainthood

Columba Press, 2011
Nobody could have imagined the effect the first non-Italian pope in almost five centuries would have on the world. For more than quarter of a century, John Paul criss-crossed the globe, preaching the Christian gospel and robustly challenging political systems and ethics. Seen live by more people than any human in history, Pope John Paul evoked exaggerated adulation and detached criticism. He sought to bolster Christianity as it declined in the developed world, while encouraging the growth of the Catholic Church in Latin America and Africa. His determined rejection of atheistic Communism played an important part in the collapse of the Soviet empire.
Having lived through the horror of World War II, Karol Wojtyla was a convincing opponent of dictatorships. Having survived two assassination attempts, he reached old age crippled with Parkinson’s disease and arthritis. Yet at his death, questions remained about banking scandals which involved the Holy See, and clerical sex abuse amongst other things.

Beatified just six years after his death, Pope John Paul remains an enigmatic figure. This book traces the life and controversial legacy of the Polish pontiff, offering insights into his complex personality. John Paul II- The Path to Heaven, examines the journey which led to his beatification and the road which may yet see him proclaimed St. John Paul II.

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Pope Benedict XVI – The First Five Years

Columba press, 2010
Joseph Ratzinger was elected to the papacy three days after his 78th birthday on 19 April 2005, taking the name Benedict XVI. His unenviable task was to follow the 26 year pontificate of the Polish pontiff, John Paul II.
The elderly cardinal was preparing for his retirement before he was thrust into the limelight. Given his age, many presumed the pontificate would be brief. Perhaps a caretaker pope until a suitable candidate could be found from the lively churches of Asia, Latin America or Africa?
Benedict has confounded observers. Critics point to his slow reaction to important issues such as clerical child abuse. His supporters cite his theological discourses and efforts to heal Jewish and Muslim sensibilities. Yet neither view is entirely accurate. While Benedict was not proactive in healing the victims of clerical child abuse, he was forced into a reactive role which led to vital improvements and the reporting of all perpetrators to civil authorities. His outreach to Jews and Muslims was marred by approval of the beatification of Pius XII and a potentially explosive quotation from a 14th century writer which deeply offended many Muslims in 2006. At the same time, the German pontiff seeks to persuade by reason rather than dictates favoured by some of his predecessors.
This new biography, marking the first five years of Benedict's tenure, show how the unfolding pontificate has been one of light and shades and of several surprises. As leader of the world's 1.24 billion Catholics, Benedict's papacy continues to play an important role in the religious sphere as well as on the world political stage. The reader is given a comprehensive pen portrait of the Bavarian pope whose pontificate has been anything but predictable.

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The Vatican - Secrets and Treasures of the Holy City

Dorling Kindersley, 2008
Written by a Vatican insider and accomplished church historian, this book is a unique behind-the-scenes look at the world's smallest nation and the spiritual center of the Catholic Church. Produced with the full cooperation of the Vatican, this is a beautifully illustrated insiders guide into the 2,000 year long history of the Vatican and papal influence, daily life and governance of the world's largest religious body, and the art collections and other priceless treasures rarely seen by the public. In addition to a unique photographic tour, the book includes personal interviews with various Vatican employees and insiders who make their home there, from a Swiss Guard to a singer in the Sistine Chapel choir. This book is an unparalleled look into life inside the Holy City.

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The Fisherman's Net - The Influence of the Papacy on History

Columba Press, 2003
The papacy is the oldest non-hereditary monarchy in the world. Over its two thousand-year history, it has influenced the lives of billions of people, both Christian and non-Christian. The influence of the papacy has by no means been limited to the religious sphere, however. Popes have been directly involved in setting up the Holy Roman Empire, the demise of paganism and global politics. As patrons of the arts, popes have commissioned some of the finest masterpieces, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. In the area of politics, Pope Alexander VI divided the map of the newly discovered territories of the Americas in the late 15th century. In the area of temporal calculation, a sixth-century pope changed the global calender and in the 16th century, Pope Gregory XII reformed the calendar of Julius Caesar. From the earliest forays of the Muslim world westwards, the popes have launched crusades to stop their advance. Most recently, Pope John Paul II, in his 25-year pontificate, has raised the profile of the papacy immeasurably.

This bestselling title has been updated by the author with a new chapter covering the death and funeral of John Paul II, and the Conclave and election of Pope Benedict XVI.

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Some reviews:

"What Fr Michael Collins has done in this book is provide a highly readable introduction to the subject". (The Irish Catholic)

"It should be within hand's reach of every embassy to the Holy See." (Bernard Davenport, Irish ambassador to the Holy See)

"…a highly readable study of the papacy" (Irish Echo, U.S.)

"…some interesting angles on the fascinating legacy of the papacy…reading this work must surely inspire one to read more." (Doctrine and Life)

"…a very readable and informative work, that combines the great moments in ecclesiastical history with more anecdotal remnants to create a highly entertaining and erudite monologue of Catholic history." (Catholic Life)

"It is a treasure trove of interesting snippets and a fine introduction to the lives of the Popes and to their important place in the historical events of Europe through many centuries." (Church Review)

"Father Collins's achievement is great: to write saliently, absorbingly, pellucidly and in a most scholarly and readable way about the succession of those who have sat in the Papal throne down till today is no mean achievement." (The Irish Times)

The Story of Christianity

Dorling Kindersley, 1999
Providing a truly global view of Christianity across all denominations, The Story of Christianity covers the Old Testament to the present day, covering topics as diverse as the early martyrs, the birth of the monasteries, the conversion of Europe, the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Reformation, and the rise of the Third World church. Beautifully illustrated, clearly presented, and written in a lucid and accessible style, this unique book encapsulates the essential history of the Christian religion.
(co-authored with Matt Price)

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