'The history of the papacy in the early Middle Ages is plagued with conflicting scholarly interpretations of its role, importance, and doctrines. David L. d'Avray has written a masterfully lucid analysis of the first papal letters, papal authority and institutions, and the problems the bishops of Rome faced as they strove to create a universal set of norms for the church.' Ken Pennington, Catholic University of America
'It is a superb book.' Kenneth Pennington, Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies
'… d'Avray's book provides important insights for scholars and students of the medieval Church. It shows the importance of the fifth century as a formative period, when papal jurisprudence took shape as the result of the exchange of letters between popes and bishops.' Barbara Bombi, English Historical Review
'This story, based on a lifetime of research, is told by reference to the political, social, and economic conditions of the times so as to make it extremely engaging. … It is a splendid work of detailed research, erudite yet readable, which forms a notable contribution to the literature on canon law and especially its development. I cannot praise it too highly.' John Duddington, Law and Justice