Description
THE BORGIAS
The Rise and Fall of a Renaissance Dynasty
The Borgias are one of the most notorious families in European
history, not because of any lasting achievements nor for long
occupation of positions of power and influence, but because of.the
moral outrages committed by members of two generations of the
family at a time when Italy was the centre of the European stage.
The activities of Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI, his children
Cesare and Lucrezia, and the legends of poisoning and incest that
have surrounded them have attracted the attention of poets,
playwrights, novelists and historians of all subsequent generations.
But who were the Borgias ? What were they doing in the fifteenth
century that made them so hated and feared in Italy? These are just
two of the questions which this book attempts to answer for the
benefit of as wide an audience as possible. The main significance of
the Borgias lies not just in their crimes and immoralities but also in
the dramatic rise of the family from a position of relatively obscure
Spanish nobility to the highest position in Renaissance society.
‘What a brilliant, paradoxical, exciting family they were, and how
refreshing to read about them in our own drab days. It is some time
since I have been so riveted by a book: I have read it with equal
enjoyment and respect. In Mr Mallett we have a brilliant young
recruit to the profession of historian whom it is a pleasure to welcome.’
A. L. Rowse SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
‘Mr Mallett keeps a cool head and judgment amid the excessively
complicated internal politics of the time and for that alone his book
deserves honourable mention.’
Cyril Connolly SUNDA Y TIMES
‘The threads are woven together with skill. Throughout, the
narrative is attractively written, and almost effortless to read.’
TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT
Paperback. 320 pages. In very good preloved condition. Previous owners name at the top of the first inside page. Slight colour change to pages. No loose pages. No dog-eared pages. In great condition for it’s age and a fascinating read!