Consisting of the full text of eight papal social encyclicals dating back to 1891 and the papacy of Leo XIII, and one important papal radio address on Christian social ethics, this reference work also introduces, outlines, and summarizes the texts in a clear, understandable language. Each encyclical was intended to be a commentary on and modernization of Leo XIII's masterly and foundational encyclical Rerum Novarum, and Rousseau brings them together using their standard paragraph numbering system for easy reference. This valuable reference represents a unique thematic approach to these important religious and social documents.

Readers will better understand the social, economic, political and thoroughly Christian ideas of Popes throughout the 20th century with the outline and summary interpretation of each text.