The Vatican Pimpernel by Brian Fleming
Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty is an Irish Oskar Schindler. During the German occupation of Rome he ran an escape organisation for Allied POWs, civilians and Jews. The work was dangerous. Safe only within the Vatican, he regularly ventured out in disguise. Kappler, the Gestapo chief, ordered him captured or killed.
When the Allies entered Rome he had saved over 6,500 lives. Kappler was sentenced to life. His only visitor, monthly, was O’Flaherty. O’Flaherty was awarded high honours, including a CBE (UK), the Congressional Medal (US), and was the first Irishman named Notary of the Holy Office. He retired to Kerry in 1960 and his death in 1963 was reported by newspapers worldwide. Immortalised in the film The Scarlet and the Black with Gregory Peck as O’Flaherty, he is commemorated in Ireland by a grove of Italian trees in Killarney National Park and a statue unveiled in Killarney in 2013.
"An affectionate book that at times reads as well as a spy novel"
* Books Ireland *"Story of personal bravery well worth retelling."
* The Irish Times *"The story it tells is extraordinary."
* Irish Independent *"Enthralling and inspiring."
* The Catholic Times *"A true thriller."
* Scottish Catholic Observer *Brian Fleming, a former member of the Oireachtas, was a teacher for many years and was Principal of Collinstown Park Community College in Dublin prior to retiring.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781848892095 |
| ISBN 10 | 1848892098 |
| Title | The Vatican Pimpernel |
| Author | Brian Fleming |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Gill |
| Year published | 2014-03-03 |
| Number of pages | 236 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |