Written by an anonymous author, The Deeds of Pope Innocent III presents a contemporary biography of the first ten years (1198-1208) of the pontificate of `one of the most important popes in history'. Clearly written by someone who knew the pope personally and very well, the Gesta provides an invaluable record of papal politics, particularly Innocent's involvement in disputes and conflicts in Sicily, Leon and Castile, in church reforms and in the crusades. The text, which is full of letters written by some of the leading figures in Europe at the beginning of the 13th century, is presented here in modern English for the first time. It is preceded by an introductiory discussion that considers the significance of the text and the events it records as well as the possible identity of the mystery author.