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A selection of the Literary Guild, Henry Morton Robinson's The Cardinal is "absorbing . . . a magnificent novel" (Boston Globe).
The basis for the Academy Award-nominated film directed by Otto Preminger and starring John Huston, The Cardinal tells a story that captured the nation's attention: a working-class American's rise to become a cardinal of the Catholic Church. The daily trials and triumphs of Stephen Fermoyle, from the working-class suburbs of Boston, drive him to become first a parish priest, then secretary to a cardinal, later a bishop, and finally a wearer of the Red Hat.
Stephen Fermoyle's journey begins in the working-class neighborhoods of Boston, where his calling to serve the Catholic Church sets him on an extraordinary path. Robinson crafts a compelling narrative that follows Fermoyle through the ranks of the Church hierarchy, exploring the personal sacrifices, moral dilemmas, and spiritual challenges that accompany his ascent.
This novel's impact extended beyond literature when Otto Preminger adapted it into a major motion picture starring John Huston. The film received six Academy Award nominations, testament to the powerful story Robinson created. The book captures the complexity of religious life in mid-20th century America with authenticity and depth.
Selected by the Literary Guild and praised by critics including the Boston Globe, The Cardinal resonated with readers across America. Robinson's detailed portrayal of Catholic Church traditions, combined with his character-driven storytelling, creates an absorbing reading experience that remains relevant decades after its original publication.
Henry Morton Robinson (1898-1961) was born in Boston and lived much of his life in Woodstock, New York. He taught English at Columbia University and wrote novels, most famously "The Cardinal," which was made into a film nominated for six Academy Awards.