CONDON, RICHARD — A Trembling Upon Rome

London, Michael Joseph. 1983, 1st UK Edition. (ISBN: 0718122410) Hardcover. Book, In this vivid and powerful novel of the late Middle Ages, at the time of the Great Schism, when two.. and later three.. popes reigned simultaneously, Richard Condon tells the epic story of Baldassare Cossa, who acceded to the papacy in May 1410. Born into a family of pirates, Cossa scaled the ladder of influence as a lawyer, army general and prelate. He was eventually trapped into becoming the first Pope John XXIII.. and left a name which has been reviled in Church history. All the corrupt elements of high life are here: lust, greed, murder and intrigue, enriched by the power of history. As New/As New.