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bumsonseats's review against another edition
3.0
The cover looks a lot racier than the book is. Great history, well written. If you want to be lazy and don't care too much about facts but want excitement, watch "The Borgias" on dvd.
jaipal's review against another edition
5.0
This book is an easy read about the historical period of mid 1400s to early 1500s Italy. It does highlight the corruption and nepotism of the Spanish Borgias but also of everyone else in power at that time.
I enjoyed it as I learnt a lot about that period and how people lived at the time. It's well written and I'd recommend it.
I enjoyed it as I learnt a lot about that period and how people lived at the time. It's well written and I'd recommend it.
lindseysparks's review against another edition
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.
eososray's review
5.0
The author gives a great overview of the Borgia’s rise and fall in this book. It mainly focuses on Pope Alexander VI and his children Caesar and Lucrezia. The early years are skimmed through as a set up for the famous members of the family and the minor players are often only described in relation to the three main characters.
An in depth look at the entire family and era it is not, but it is well worth the read; especially as a start to a more comprehensive look into the family and/or time period.
An in depth look at the entire family and era it is not, but it is well worth the read; especially as a start to a more comprehensive look into the family and/or time period.
tamzy6's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Hibbert's way of writing makes you feel like you're reading a gossip column rather than actual history. I guess half your work is cut out for you when you're writing about a scandalous family like The Borgias. The big three of the Borgias family - Pope Alexander VI, Lucrezia, Cesare are incredibly wild and unhinged, I love it.