Ever since Innocent III's election in 1198, he has been regarded as "il grande papa" (the great pope) whose influence and contributions, as a canonist and political leader, have set the tone for Church history. This collection attempts to move away from such stereotypical views in order to seek a greater understanding of the Pope among a wider audience. Innoce nt III: the man and his faith; this is the basis for Brenda Bolton's selection of primary sources, drawing as it does on eyewitnesses and other contemporaries, including the bitingly critical satirists and even an opponent or two.