Vicars of Christ,
The dark side of the papacy.


is available either as a new paperback edition : from the Irish publisher, Poolbeg,
which is priced in "Euros" (which varies in value from day to day). 
The price, with delivery in about two weeks, should be about $ 20.

or used,
as either a paperback or hard back, from internet sources like
http://www.bookfinder.com
where prices can vary from about $15 delivered to as much as $400. 


        Here are 2 actual examples I found on August 22, 2004 :
from Alibris:
        "New York Crown Publishers 1988 1st (scarce) Hardbound Nr Fine book in a Nr Fine dustjacket covered by mylar. 8vo, Book has extremely mild shelf wear to edges of dustjacket-no bending, tearing, or scratching. Pages and boards are clean. Extremely controversial account of the Catholic papacy, from both a historical and contemporary perspective, written by a former Jesuit. Very rare book. 1st edition, 1st printing. $302.95"

from Bee Smart Books, via Abebooks Publisher:
        "New York, Crown Publishers 1988; Stated first edition. Hardcover with dustjacket. Hardcover near fine save on minor dent to back of rear board 1/8" slight. Boards are cherry red w/black linen spine trim. Title on spine in gold gilt. Signed with a dedication by author. "For . . .,  for a wonderful morning in The Station House, Love, Peter, 16 June '92." Very bold signature on 2nd title page. Book appears unread. DJ red ground, white black and gold gilt with an outline of the Vatican. Jacket ... $400.00 "

        I can only wonder why a book published just 16 years ago is so rare. Can the Vatican have collected and perhaps destroyed as many copies as it could get its hands on?