"With exquisite scholarship, theoretical clarity and commanding historical perspective, Stefania Tutino presents a radical re-reading of Robert Bellarmine's political thought. Reading the Cardinal in a wide European context, Tutino sets aside the common view of his work as the essence of Counter-Reformation political theology. Inspired by Antonio Gramsci, she finds in Bellarmine a sophisticated theory of Catholicism as spiritual hegemony, rather than Carl Schmitt's exemplar of anti-modernity. A fine piece of work."
—Knud Haakonssen, Professor of Intellectual History, University of Sussex
"Robert Bellarmine, Saint and Cardinal, was one of the most important figures of the Catholic (or Counter-) Reformation. Well-known for his role in the investigation of Galileo, and in the condemnation of Copernicanism, he was famous in his own time especially for his writings on church-state relations and papal authority. This fine, scholarly, and lucidly expressed book is the fullest modern account of Bellarmine's theories on these matters. It is particularly valuable for the wide range of manuscript sources in Latin and Italian that it draws on, from archives in the Vatican and elsewhere."
—Johann Sommerville, Professor of History, University of Wisconsin, Madison
"Extensive notes, a select bibliography, and a careful index help to make this a volume well worth the attention of a wide variety of students and scholars of european politics and theology"—Thomas Worcester, College of the Holy Cross
"Tutino compliments her study with a newly published collection of writings, never before translated into English, that she believes best represents Bellarmine's political theology. These two impressive scholarly achievements go beyond the standard story of a reactionary crusader battling anti-papal princes, and protesting Protestants, typical of most traditional studies...Tutino's valuable study, and her handsome collection of translations, can help guide our way."—Homiletic & Pastoral Review
"Empire of Souls is an important contribution to and arguably necessary for studies of Bellarmine and of early modern Catholicism...important reading also for historians of doctrines and for historians and theologians of the papacy, of the post-Reformation period, of ecumenism, and of the separation of church and state. Consequently, this book is also recommended for scholars who work on the intersection of European religion and political theory."—Journal of the American Academy of Religion
"Tutino's book is an extensive study of one concept as it played out not just in Rome but across Western Europe."—The Review of Politics
"A first-rate book, ambitious in scope, impressive in delivery, tenacious in analysis,precise and comprehensive in documentation, a book destined for many a long year to come to constitute the requisite point of departure for other studies in the field."—The Catholic Historical Review
