Gunnel Vallquist (1918-2016), professor and member of the Swedish Academy, was active as a freelance writer, translator and author for more than half a century. A selection of her texts from the period 1949-2007 is published here. The texts reflect the breadth and depth of her writing. Among other things, it includes a unique series of articles published in Svenska Dagbladet in connection with five papal changes. Introduction by Ylva Eggehorn, Werner G Jeanrond and Carl-Otto Werkelid.