Hadrian the Seventh

About “Hadrian the Seventh”

George Arthur Rose, a hack writer and minor priest, is chosen to become Pope. He accepts the role without surprise or fear, stating that the previous English pope was Hadrian the Fourth and now he is Hadrian the Seventh. The novel reflects the personality of its author, Frederick Rolfe, who was known as an eccentric with aristocratic tendencies and a deep religious devotion. Rolfe faced many hardships throughout his life, but in this novel, he finds success and expression. The book, written in 1904, is considered Rolfe's finest work.