Fr. Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, writes about the Council from the experience of one who was there-one who took part as an official peritus or expert in the work of Vatican II.Regarded as one of the outstanding young theologians to emerge from the conciliar period, the author mirrors in his observations here his intimate familiarity with the theological issues discussed, the positions taken, and the battles fought. But he does not seek to record the "diplomatic factors, intramural power plays, and antagonism among groups." His purpose is to "attempt to delineate the inner aspects, the spiritual profile of the Council."The book includes a special preface by the author setting forth the character of the observations as his "account of a personal journey through the landscape of each session, with an open view toward further developments." There is also a new introduction written by Thomas Rausch, SJ, that provides a balanced and contemporary context for the book.