The end of 2015 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council. Just in time for this historic event is this book, the first illustrated history of Vatican II. Using the archives from the Foundation for Religious Sciences in Bologna and the best photographic archives available, this volume documents the Council from its preparation to its conclusion. Participants from all over the world attended the Council, and in this volume readers will recognize its protagonists, the way in which their work took place, and aspects of their daily life. Readers will also be able to follow the progress of the works leading to the Council's great declarations and documents, and the way the conciliar texts were voted, revised, prepared for the final voting, as well as the final promulgation. This is a work rich in information, documents, and illustrations that brings readers into the atmosphere of an extraordinary historical moment full of hope for the Church and for humanity. It makes available data and facts that scholars might otherwise find difficult to access and provides an insight into an unforgettable experience for general readers.