The official biography of the most inspiring spiritual leader of the twentieth century

Following Cardinal Basil Hume's death on 17 June 1999, The Times concluded his obituary with a remarkable accolade: 'Few churchman in this century, inside or outside the Catholic Church, have died more deeply loved.'

Basil Hume served as Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster for twenty-three years and his holiness and wisdom made him an extraordinary leader. In this enthralling biography, Anthony Howard, who has had unique access to Cardinal Hume's private papers and the people who knew him best, traces his life, from his Newcastle upbringing through to his schooling at Ampleforth and his reign at Westminster, including his long and ultimately successful fight on behalf of the Maguire Seven and the Guildford Four.

"'an excellent biography...it is a mark of Howard's achievement that, as a self-confessed "wistful agnostic", he is able to describe the intricacies of Hume's monastic, spiritual and episcopal life so well'" - Sunday Times

"'An eminent biographer ... Howard provides delightful details of Hume's human side'" - Independent