A review by lindseysparks
The Borgias by Christopher Hibbert

4.0

I can't say I've ever had much respect for the papacy and this book certainly didn't help improve my opinion. It focuses on Rodrigo Borgia, who became Pope Alexander VI, and his children, primarily Cesare and Lucrezia (yes, you read that correctly). Cesare was named a cardinal by his father and was also the inspiration for Machiavelli's The Prince. A real stand-up guy. The family was manipulative and power hungry and quite likely murderers. Hibbert writes in an engaging narrative style while still being clear what is fact and what is speculation. It does start a little slow with the lead up to Rodrigo becoming Pope but picks up once he does. I will never understand how people think history is boring.