"Gaudium et Spes was one of the key documents to come out of the Second Vatican Council. In this volume of the Rediscovering Vatican II series, Norman Tanner traces the document's evolution from its beginnings to its eventual promulgation at the end of the council in December 1965. He reviews its reception by the Catholic Church and beyond and its possible future influence. Also included is a discussion of the controversial decree on the mass media, Inter Mirifica."--BOOK JACKET.