The Borgias

This book is a good overview of a very infamous family. The author does a good job of explaining how the Borgias rose from humble beginnings in Spain to be one of the most influential an powerful families of Renaissance Italy. After all, two Borgia men did become pope. Since I have taught The Prince......more

Having read lots about the renaissance but mostly about the Medici in Florence this was a nice rounding up of the era from the Rome’s and the Papacy point of view, and mentioning of the rest of the Kingdoms such as Isabela La Catolica with Fernando of Spain, the French monarchy, etc. This reading wa......more

This was a matter of fact book, very little speculation about whether or not certain historical rumors were true. If you are looking for a straight recounting of the deeds of the Borgia family, this book will suit you. If you are looking for a shocking and sensational story about the infamous Borgia......more

A quick yet fairly comprehensive overview of the 15th century Italian intrigue, Spanish voluptuousness, Roman politics, and a corrupt papacy. More interesting than the 150-year long story of the family is the snakepit of early Renaissance power politics and the outrageous characters. Cesare Borgia a......more