He was also an outstanding patron of the arts and commissioned major works, including the Vatican Stanze and the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Many of his actions, however, compromised the papacy's spiritual authority, attracting the satire of Erasmus and contributing to Martin Luther's crisis of conscience.

This book is the first biography of Julius II to be based on extensive use of archival sources. Christine Shaw's account includes new material about Julius's career as a cardinal, providing fresh perspectives on his policies as pope. The reports of those who negotiated with him, those who observed him and spied on him, ridiculed him and admired him, are used to depict the vivid, powerful and humorous personality of the papa terribile and the impact he made on his times.