This life-work crystallizes and clarifies the major developments in Catholic thought and practice before and after Vatican II. Each chapter focuses on an essential theme -- theology, spirituality, scripture, social justice, ecumenism, priesthood, apostolate of the laity, women in the church, medicine and ethics, crisis in the church -- and illuminates them through stories, experiences, and insights.Anyone interested in understanding the watershed history of Catholicism in the 20th century will value Walter Burghardt as a reliable guide and fascinating companion.