The Life of John Lancaster Spalding

Under the academic direction of Fr. John Tracy Ellis, Fr. David Francis Sweeney creates a biography of the Bishop of Peoria, John Lancaster Spalding (1840--1916). John Spalding, favored nephew of his uncle Archbishop Martin Spalding, was given political influence and authority within the American hierarchy. As a progressive thinker John Spalding was involved in the numerous controversies later categorized as Americanism. Sweeney masterfully guides the reader chronologically through Spalding's life, while making note of his contribution to the issues of his day. Well researched and documented Sweeney utilizes academic literature and numerous archival sources.