er Partner's book, which is essentially a revision of his Oxford doctoral dissertation. The book is organized in five sections, in addition to an introduction and conclusion. The introduction traces the development of the Papal States from the eighth century to the time of the Schism. The first chapter deals with the condition of the Papal State in the later years of the Schism, the second with its restoration under Martin, and the remaining three with features of administration: provincial and central government, and the relations between the Papal government and the urban communes in its territory. Finally, the brief conclusion takes up the role of nepotism in Papal government, a topic previously raised in the introduction. The body of the text is followed by appendices on sources, including the texts of several important documents.
Partner deals entirely with Martin's role as ruler of the Papal State; he has essentially no discussion of his broader role as head of the Church. Indeed, his fundamental thesis is stat
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