Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Pope Benedict has finished the second volume of 'Jesus of Nazareth'; Italian and German publishers in 'auction' battle

Well he has, and they are, according to the French magazine Le Point (18th June 09). Here's a translation of the relevant item.

"Saintes Ecritures (this could translate as 'Sacred Writings' or 'Holy Writ'!)


Benedict XVI is a very saleable author. His last book, 'Jesus of Nazareth' published by Rizzoli sold more than 3,000,000 copies. and the Vatican had negotiated his author's rights at an exorbitant 20% of each copy sold. (Translation warning: 'exorbitant' is the word used and it could mean exactly the same as in English, but also, either 'extraordinary' or 'outrageous'. IMHO none of these applies. The Vatican let them off lightly!)

A battle is in progress for the second volume consecrated to the the life of Christ, of which the manuscript is finished. The German publisher Herder, who had published all the books of Cardinal Ratzinger before his election as Pope is ready to outbid other publishers to get him back."

btw I haven't forgotten about St. Peter's eyes.

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