"History of the Second Vatican Council" is the first critical historical study of this event. Five volumes of "History" analyze the main stages of the cathedral: the preparatory period and the cathedral sessions. The events of Vatican II are considered in the context of previous councils. The authors assess the importance of the cathedral for the modern Church and the whole world. Giuseppe Alberigo begins the first volume of History with an emergency statement by the newly elected Pope John XXIII to convene a "general council of the universal Church." Etienne Fouilloux then explores the development and formation of preparatory commissions. Jozef Komonchak describes the struggle around the preparation of the cathedral, during which it was decided what it should be. Oscar Beozzo explores the external atmosphere around the cathedral, the actions of the media, politicians and religious leaders. Finally, Klaus Wittstadt describes the organizational side of the cathedral at the time of its opening.