Reports are coming in about the sales of Pope Benedict’s new book, Jesus of Nazareth. In some 10 days after its release, 510 thousand copies have been sold in Italy, 480 thousand in Germany and in Poland 100 thousand.
The Greek edition comes with a letter by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who expresses "great and burning interest" for the work. He sees it as being a help to ecumenical dialogue.
Since I returned to the USA for the funeral of Msgr. Richard Schuler, I brought back an extra copy in German as a gift to a priest friend, Fr. George Welzbacher. In addition to being one of the smartest people I know, his German is very strong. He told me that Pope Benedict’s style is clear and elegant, easy to follow. This does not surprise me in the least. I haven’t started into the German edition, but I am well along in the Italian.
You will want this book. Click here to pre-order it at a discount. It should be released in mid May.
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I just ordered one for me and one for a friend. This is truly exciting! I can’t wait to read it. I am so glad that the sales are strong.
I am itching for the English version to come out.
You won’t be disappointed.
I’ve already have the book on order from my local Catholic bookstore. While I do shop on-line, I also try to support the local brick and mortar stores.
Brian: That is also important!
I will not buy this book nor any book published by the pope, because the faith should be giving for free. That was the command from Our Lord Jesus Christ: to give it for free.
Fr. Z,
Any chance of Humboldt’s comment getting the Sour Grapes award today?
That was really weird.
Father John,
I am thinking of getting the Italian version. I read French and Spanish very well, but I am just beginning to learn Italian. Is it easy enough to read with a dictionary? It could be a way to get the book early and practice Italian at the same time. I can’t wait to read it.
Humboldt: “I don’t care for the opinion of anyone,” …
Okay, have it your way. I decline to answer.
The Irish missionary monks often set up a stall at the local fairs in Europe. People would ask them what they were selling, and they’d say, “wisdom” or “truth”.
Then they’d be asked why they were selling it.
“Because nobody here values things that are given away.”
(This was a really stinging indictment back then, of course, since generosity and being a good guest were both super-important to the pagans and barbarians of Europe. But it was also a really good marketing ploy — and allowed them to meet all sorts of people in town all at once!)
Ok – so how about the idea that the Truth is free, but the paper it comes on is not!
Looking forward to paying cold hard cash for this baby. I love everything written by this man.
Gordo the Byzantine
Humbolt,
If you refuse to buy this book then you could at least borrow it. I have heard great things about it, especialy from Father here.
Jonathan Bennett: thank you for your Christian advice. Certainly, if I have the chance of borrowing the book, I will certainly read it, athough not with the same attitude as if it were an authentic expression of the magisterium of the Church.