The Jeweler's Shop

A rarity, this book is a three-act stage drama written by a Roman Catholic pope. Pope John Paul II, 1920-2005, was active in the theater as a young man in Poland until the Nazi occupation closed his university when he was 19. As a member of the Rhapsodic Theater, John Paul II (real name Karol Wotylja) helped put on secret readings and productions as a form of cultural resistance during the Nazi occupation, before deciding to join an underground seminary during the war. Later as a bishop and cardinal, he wrote theatrical criticism pieces under a pseudonym. This play represents his only published play and is a fascinating piece of meditative drama. The first act follows a couple in love about to be married, the second act follows a married couple whose love has grown cold, and the third act concerns the two children of the first two couples who are in love and hoping to be married. A mysterious jeweler unites the three couples, dispensing wisdom about fate in addition to wedding bands. This play was made into a 1988 film with Burt Lancaster, Ben Cross, and Olivia Hussey. Like the late pope's "Theology of the Body," this play extols the virtues of married love as a reflection of God's eternal love, offering an optimistic view of human relations where "the future depends on love." Each scene is a series of minimally staged, almost monologue-driven scenes between the couples done in underground theatrical style with a literary debt to medieval mystery dramas. It's a pretty good play and a pretty good read, offering a lot of food for thought in what is essentially (to quote the title) a "meditation on the sacrament of matrimony."

Such a great book that trace Love from within. If you are ready to cry and be loved at the same time, I would get a copy for you and those who you Love.-RDMK

This is one of my favorite books of its category… because I think it’s the only book in its category.

I can't say enough good things about this beautiful play of Karol Wojtyla. Through the stories of 3 couples, the author is able to shed light on the blossoming of, difficulties in, yet overall transcendence of true love. Needless to say, this is the gift I buy all the newly wed couples I know. I hope that it helps them to gather divine graces needed to sustain their marriages, till death do them part.

This product came looking good as new, not a single flaw. A beautiful story that makes for a great read.

Superb and then some. The movie that grew out of this play should be required viewing for all couples planning on marriage. St. Pope John Paul II demonstrates here his fundamental understanding of the human person, of love, and of sex. Both the book and the movie bear repeated reading or watching. The bonus in the movie is a 75 year-old Burt Lancaster portraying the Jeweler.

A good read. Our Pope understands relationships in many variations.

Marriages are a mess… this holds so much wisdom.

John Paul II captures the fragility and beauty of relationships. He gets into real life and sacrifice needed to grow a relationship. It's a very hopeful play.

wonderful job