Hadrian the Seventh

by Frederick Rolfe
Hadrian the Seventh cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 10443
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • Publisher: e-artnow
  • Published: 2020-12-17
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Hadrian the Seventh is a novel that explores the extraordinary journey of George Arthur Rose, a man denied his vocation as a priest due to the machinations of the Roman Catholic Church. Living a solitary life with his yellow cat, Rose's fortunes change when two prominent churchmen offer him a chance to right the wrongs done to him. Ordained as a priest, he is taken to Rome, where the Papal Conclave is at a deadlock. In a surprising turn of events, the Cardinals, inspired by divine or otherworldly forces, offer Rose the Papacy. He accepts and takes the name Hadrian VII, becoming the only English Pope after Adrian IV. The novel delves into themes of wish-fulfillment and the intersection of human ambition with divine intervention. It is a blend of historical fiction and a touch of the fantastical, offering a unique perspective on the power and politics within the Catholic Church. The story is rich with detail and intrigue, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical and religious narratives.

Reviews
The Times · 2025-01-24
respectful 4.00

Rolfe's writing has a kind of madly fierce integrity that commands a grudging respect. The reviewer appreciates the novel's unique qualities despite the author's difficult personality.

The Times' review of 'Hadrian the Seventh' notes that Frederick Rolfe's writing has a kind of madly fierce integrity that commands a grudging respect. The reviewer appreciates the novel's unique qualities despite the author's difficult personality. They acknowledge that Rolfe was obviously a pain to know in person, but his writing has a certain integrity that still commands respect. The novel is seen as a remarkable and unique work, reflecting the author's own experiences and aspirations. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to convey a sense of the author's character and ambitions.

Quick quotes

    Although Rolfe was obviously a pain to know in person, his writing has a kind of madly fierce integrity that still commands a grudging respect.

    The novel is a remarkable and unique work, reflecting the author's own experiences and aspirations.

    The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to convey a sense of the author's character and ambitions.

Sho's Book Blog · Sho · 2016-07-15
mixed 2.50

The book achieved a cult following despite its unlikable author. The reviewer acknowledges the book's cult status but struggles with the protagonist's unlikable nature.

Sho's Book Blog review of 'Hadrian the Seventh' highlights the book's cult following despite its unlikable author, Frederick Rolfe. The reviewer acknowledges the book's cult status but struggles with the protagonist's unlikable nature. They note that Rolfe was a thoroughly unlikable man, which is reflected in the book's protagonist. Despite this, the book has managed to achieve a cult following, which speaks to its enduring appeal. The reviewer appreciates the book's unique qualities but finds the protagonist's unlikable nature challenging.

Quick quotes

    Rolfe was a thoroughly unlikable man, one who never failed to bite any hand that attempted to feed him.

    The book achieved a cult following, but the protagonist's unlikable nature is a significant hurdle.

    Despite its unlikable protagonist, the book has managed to achieve a cult following, which speaks to its enduring appeal.

The Guardian · 2014-06-02
entertaining 3.50

The novel is an entertaining and contrived story that provides a vivid insight into its eccentric author. It is a delightful exploration of the author's own life and aspirations.

The Guardian's review of 'Hadrian the Seventh' describes it as an entertaining yet contrived story that offers a vivid glimpse into the life of its eccentric author, Frederick Rolfe. The novel is a delightful exploration of Rolfe's own experiences and aspirations, making it a unique and engaging read. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to shed light on its author's character, despite its contrived nature. The story is seen as a fascinating blend of fantasy and reality, reflecting Rolfe's own eccentricities and ambitions.

Quick quotes

    This entertaining if contrived story of a hack writer and priest who becomes pope sheds vivid light on its eccentric author.

    The novel is a delightful exploration of Rolfe's own experiences and aspirations.

    It is a fascinating blend of fantasy and reality, reflecting Rolfe's own eccentricities and ambitions.

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