Offering the reader a rare personal insight into the private life of one of the most memorable figures of the twentieth century, Pope John Paul II is more than just a biography. Through its numerous photographs - many seen here for the first time - this volume reveals the remarkable traits of an unforgettable character: strength coupled with tenderness, piety with angst, and the indefatigable courage of a great religious leader. Through the sensitively written texts of a Vatican insider, discover the private and moving side of Karol Wojtyla. A diverse array of photographs document not only the man at work but also divulge touching scenes from his private life: childhood pictures with classmates, bicycle rides and camping expeditions, as well as quiet moments of reflection during his papacy. From his pious upbringing in Poland, through the war-marked years of his adolescence, to priesthood and finally divine election, Pope John Paul II traces the life of an individual who will remain forever an inspirational mentor.