Book excerpt: Celebrated author and veteran historian Diane Moczar takes you on a fast-paced and provocative ride through the development of Christian civilization from its emergence within the Roman Empire through its medieval springtime and summer. Indeed, within five hundred years of Nero’s persecutions of the first disciples, Christian civilization permeated every aspect of European culture with kings and commoners alike paying allegiance to the Catholic Church. A master storyteller with an entertaining and evocative style, Dr. Moczar introduces you to the celebrated intellectuals and mystics, the magnificent artists and writers, and the greatest heroes and villains who forever changed Christianity and the West. You’ll also explore the dreadful heresies and sinful practices—both inside the Church and out—that developed cracks that would become great fissures, leading to the bitter autumn that followed a most glorious age. Most of all, these pages will increase your love of God—who is the source of all truth—through a deeper understanding of Catholic history. And they will renew your confidence that the Church is indeed Christ acting in the world and that no matter how many Neros are sent her way by Satan, she will not be defeated but will endure until the end of time.