The Borgia Bride: A Novel

Book Description

In the tradition of The Birth of Venus and The Other Boleyn Girl comes a dramatic and compelling story of a princess from Naples who marries into one of the most glittering and infamous families of the Italian Renaissance Sancha of Aragon, beautiful and vivacious, arrives in Rome after marrying an heir to the Borgia dynasty. But Rome, seething with conspiracy and intrigue, is a world away from the sunlit Naples of her childhood. When she discovers her new husband in the embrace of not one, but several women, she is heartbroken. Lonely, she befriends her glamorous and tantalizing sister-in-law, Lucrezia Borgia, whose reputation as a seductress is unparalleled; among her conquests, it is rumored, is her own brother, Cesare. Her jealousy is legendary and some say she has used poison to rid herself of rivals. Gradually, the two women develop a cautious friendship, and Sancha comes to admire Lucrezia's ability to navigate the dangerous political currents. But when Sancha is seduced by none other than Cesare himself, whose sexual magnetism and cruelty have made him notorious, she realizes she has placed herself in serious danger. If her secret is discovered, it could not only destroy her, but threaten her beloved Naples. Possessed of an indomitable spirit, she must summon courage and cunning to protect her country, her family and herself.

Customer Reviews:

COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!.......2007-02-09

I LOVED this book. I read it in two sittings. If you like the works of Philippa Gregory, Karleen Koen, Sarah Dunant, Anya Seton, Susan Carroll, and Alison Weir you will enjoy this novel immensely.

Hazards of being Royal, Oh my!.......2006-12-28

A good read, it kept me interested but I did not care for this book as much as Jeanne Kalogridis', "I, Mona Lisa".

Dysfunctional is too kind a word for the Borgia family.

Come into the Borgia Parlor ..........2006-11-18

This is an interesting tale spun about who may have poisoned Pope Alexander VI and Cesare Borgia and why they were poisoned. I love the history and the intrigues of the period especially the intense and complex structure of the Borgia family. Cesare is darkly sensual, and deliciously evil as he manipulates his family and is consumed by his obsession with Sancha D'Aragon. Sancha is strong and determined, and the friendship she develops with Lucretia in their mutual love for Alfonso is definitely the highlight of this novel for me. Even Jofre Borgia is made interesting as we see his involvement in the Borgia's vendetta for control of 15th century Italy. Cantarella is still the poison of choice and readers should watch how this poison gets into the hands of Sancha. Historical readers will not care for the romance of the story, but the romance is crucial in driving the motive for revenge and justice in this novel as a turbulent love turns to consuming hatred because of an act of murder.

Dark & Sensual.......2006-07-19

I'll be frank here ~~ it wasn't what I expected at all but that didn't stop me from reading. I thought it'd be similar to "The Ruby Ring" but it's nothing like that novel. This one is darker and more sensual and more troubling. I couldn't put the book down though as I wanted to see how this book ends.

This is probably the first book I've ever read on The Borgias. Like one reviewer here mentioned, they sure bring new meaning to dysfunctional family! This novel focuses on Sancha of Aragon who marries the Pope's youngest and ineffectual son, Jofre Borgia. Once she arrives in Rome with Jofre, Sancha becomes ensared with Lucrezia and her brother, Cesare, who are also Pope Alexander's children ~~ and Sancha becomes deeply ensared in the sinister web of the Borgia family. Incest, murder, jealousy, adultery, lavish gluttony, and rumors swirl around Rome and Sancha had to rely on her own cunning to remain alive and beat the Borgias at their game.

This is a dark novel ~~ very sensual and troubling. Everything that man can possibly do to his loved ones ~~ are written here. It is a fast page-turner and while disturbing, it's also fascinating. I have not heard much about the Borgias and if this historical fiction is anything to go by ~~ they are intriguing and definitely interesting. That old saying that power corrupts definitely fit this family. It is an interesting historical fiction ~~ one that won't leave my mind for a long time.

7-18-06

Exciting.......2006-07-07

The history of the Borgia family is dark and intriguing, and this interpretation was true to tradition. It is an exciting read, but be warned, the sex scenes give it the feel of a romance novel at times.

Average customer rating:

It reads like a novel
The Portrait Tells the Story

Lucrezia Borgia (Phoenix Press)
Maria Bellonci
Manufacturer: Phoenix Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1842126164

Book Description

Although Lucrezia Borgia was a daughter of Pope Alexander VI and chiefly remembered as a raven-haired poisoner, Bellonci depicts a passionate woman moving uncertainly through the papal court and the intrigues, ambitions, and political chicanery that swirled about her. Winner of the Viareggio Literary Award and the Galante Prize in Italy in 1953.

Customer Reviews:

It reads like a novel.......2006-01-13

Murder. Money. Politics. Religion. Sometimes life is so much better than fiction. I loved it so much I bought it for a friend -- which I never do. This book is a great introduction to the Borgia clan. I highly recommend it.

The Portrait Tells the Story.......2002-06-16

There are few portraits as sharply drawn as that depicting (or considered to depict) Lucretia Borgia: smart, beautiful, edgy and dangerous. The illegitimate daughter of Roderigo Borgia, who reigned as the most notorious Spaniard of the High Renaissance, Pope Alexander VI, she spent her most adult life (and great swathes of her childhood) being ferried from fiancé to fiancé, husband to husband and lover to lover as the Borgias sought to establish an Italian dynasty. Originally written
in the 50s, this is the leading biography and is fairly sympathetic to both Lucretia (whom it paints as romantic, literate and cultured) and also Alexander (whose worst abuses are excused as acts of an oversolicitous father). There is no sympathy whatsoever for Cesare Borgia, who is ascribed responsibility not only for murdering Lucretia's
lovers but also his (and her) own brother.

The Codex Borgia: A Full-Color Restoration of the Ancient Mexican Manuscript

Average customer rating:

The Other 5 Star Reviews are Right
Un libro que no puede faltar
A Gem
Excellent, and at this price...
Terrific insight

The Codex Borgia: A Full-Color Restoration of the Ancient Mexican Manuscript
Gisele Diaz , and Alan Rodgers
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486275698

Book Description

First publication of remarkable repainting of outstanding Mexican codex — priceless original is in Vatican Library — thought to have originated in the Cholula area, ca. AD 1400. 76 large full-color plates show an astounding array of gods, kings, warriors, mythical creatures, and abstract designs. A work of rare power and beauty. Introduction.

Customer Reviews:

The Other 5 Star Reviews are Right.......2007-03-16

I will not go over their 5 star comments except to say that I agree. The amazingly colourful and crisp art in this short book is rivetting. As much as one may credit the reknowned author, deep congratulations should also go to the publisher for a masterful print job.

Un libro que no puede faltar.......2007-01-09

Sin duda este es un título que no debe faltar en ningúna biblioteca personal, ya que la restauración de uno de los principales códices es perfecta, para aquellos interesados en la cultura y ciencia ancestral este códice es de gran ayuda.

A Gem.......2005-02-15

This is a very strange and beautiful book in pictures. It reads like a dream if you tune in to it, and reveals very deep meanings about the relation between life and death, the human relation to the forces of nature, and time. Even though there are no words, it is possible to understand. If you get into it the symbols become more and more recognizable, and they begin to speak. the calendrical symbols and the spirit deities are completely recognizable. The sequences are all about times, and there is a big element about sacrifice. It has to do with the consequences of change; there is no life without death. The book has a very powerful image of life and death fused back to back that pretty much is the epitome of all the book is about. It's all about life and death in relation to time.

Excellent, and at this price..........2003-01-18

This is a wonderful resouce for those interested in ancient Mexico. Full photographic facsimilies of these codices are hideously expensive, and really, most are not in great shape. After extensive research, we have here a great reproduction of what this important work looked like when it was "fresh off the presses." It is beautiful, and in comparison to Dover's similar Codex Nuttall, this work comes with a MUCH better introduction that explains more of the text, the context, and the ideology. Readers will be able to better understand some of the religious principles of the ancient Mexicans (and there is some debate whether this book was painted by Aztecs or Mixtecs, which I won't bore you with!). It shows gods, ceremonies, the calender, and other religious iconography which is interesting, and would be a revelation for more the artisticly inclined. The visuals are wonderfully presented and all in all this is an astonishing bargain. Those with even a casual interest in New World archaeology or art NEED to get this book.

Terrific insight.......2001-03-16

This book gives terrific insight into the ancient Mexicans, their theology and world view, and their way of life. The illustrations are extremely well done, and the interpretation is on the mark. A must-have for anyone interested in ancient Mesoamerica.

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Cantarella Vol. 6

Cantarella Volume 6 (Cantarella)
You Higuri
Manufacturer: Go!Comi
ProductGroup: Book
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ASIN: 1933617098

Book Description

In the aftermath of murder and betrayal, the darkness within Cesare only continues to thrive. Chiaro suffers seeing his master and friend lose himself to his curse but finds comfort and warmth within the confines of a monastery.

Customer Reviews:

Cantarella Vol. 6.......2007-09-07

I've been following this series from the start. I love it! I am sad that the series is almost over but I do enjoy re-reading these books. I recommend this and the other volumes to anyone who enjoys manga as much as myself! Enjoy and read the other volumes too!

Average customer rating:

Life in the World Unseen
Life in the World Unseen by Anthony Borgia
Truth be Told
Good Details!
Another Great Book by Anthony Borgia!

Life in the World Unseen
Anthony Borgia
Manufacturer: M B a Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0963643509

Customer Reviews:

Life in the World Unseen.......2007-09-11

Now here is a book you won't soon forget. Fascinating. A very different view of the other side.

Life in the World Unseen by Anthony Borgia.......2005-10-22

What can we expect after we die? Does life really continue?
What will be our relationship to God? Does heaven have
physical properties; water, dirt, air, food, bodies? What can
we expect to do in heaven; transportation, relationships,
occupations, government, religion, worship, free will? What
about hell and punishment? What happens to good Catholics who
strongly believe in purgatory; to Christians who fear God; to
humans who fear death; and humans who do not want to leave
earth? How does an abused physical body affect the astral
body? What are the levels in heaven, and what determines the
level that can we expect? All of these questions are answered
in great detail by Mgsr. Robert Hugh Benson who made his
transition in 1914. He clearly was an exemplary human while on
earth, and he was also a prolific author, and he still is.
After he died, he wanted to come back and get rid of the books
that he had written, but that was not possible. However in the
1940's Mgsr. Benson was finally able to tell us about the
heaven that he experienced through the psychic Anthony Borgia.
This book probably answers every question about heaven that
you have ever considered and probably many more. Another book,
which focuses on the lower levels of heaven, and which is out
of print, but which is available on the internet is "The
Astral City" by Francisco Xavier. This account of heaven is
similar to Benson's story, but most humans go to a lower level
initially, before going to higher levels. Benson also
describes the lower levels of heaven, as well as even-higher
levels. Finally, we have believable stories about life beyond
the physical.

Truth be Told.......2005-08-19

Although raised as a catholic, I believe what the author is saying about the afterlife, and about the great misconception of religious dogmas. I was amazed at the details of the descriptions of the afterlife, and what spirit life will be like when I cross over. There are times that I just can't wait to "kick the bucket".

For those of you who can't find all the books anywhere, try this link. http://www.angelfire.com/ne/newviews/life.html

Also, if you like this one, you might like the teachings of Silver Birch. Very much the same in that what is written comes directly from a spirit on the other side.

To read the writings of Silver Birch, click on the following links. http://www.the-synergy.com/silverb/contensb.html

also http://www.angelfire.com/ok/SilverBirch/Tcon.html

Good Details!.......2005-08-15

I thought the book exhibited fantastic detail about the spirit world! If we were to describe our own earthly life, could we give the type of details this gentleman gave to the readers?

I was in agreement with the Monsigner about the misuse and abuse of the many religions that have existed throughout history. Especially in light of the potential conflict between Christianity and Islam in this modern age. True peace starts with each individual and we must look deeply into our own hearts to make sure that we are on the path to reach these heavenly realms by our own efforts! We must never use religion to hate other religions or other people!

Another Great Book by Anthony Borgia!.......2005-06-18

This is the 2nd book I've read by this author (Here & Hereafter was the 1st), and I am amazed at how in-depth both books are re: what may await us after death.

As I stated in my review of "Here & Hereafter", I believe that each book on after-death communication has something to offer, but what is brought forth is going to be dependent on where the soul is "residing" at that time. It seems to me that it's like the story about the blind trying to describe an elephant - where one feels the trunk & thinks that is what the elephant is, another feels the tail, one feels the ear, and so on... Each one is partially correct, but not completely - and this is how I see each of the wonderful books out there re: the afterlife.

In terms of what this book contains... It includes info. channeled from the late Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson re: the realm of "Heaven" that he's been residing in since his death. Apparently, he had written a book while on earth that has led to the misguidance of many who've read it (it basically stated that info received psychically is "of the devil"). As a result, he has felt a need to write a book from the "Other Side" to correct this "mistake", as well as give an appraisal of what he's experienced since his passing.

I found this book to be quite insightful, and filled with the wonders & beauty that will await most of us upon death. I say "most of us" because he does discuss the "lower realms", where those souls go that have led hideaous lives while on earth. However, it's stated quite clearly that these souls have not been banished to this horrible afterlife, instead, they have complete control in moving themselves up "the spiritual ladder", and many are waiting to help these souls as soon as they should give up the negativity that binds them there.

I found many of the beautiful descriptions to match those given in "Within Heaven's Gate" - a book about a woman who had an NDE while quite ill. The main difference is that "Heaven's Gate" is written from a decidedly christian standpoint, whereas "world Unseen" specifically states that people from ALL religions (as well as those with no religion at all) inhabit the beautiful realms of Heaven.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in after-death communications &/or the afterlife in general. A word of caution though, an open mind is needed to gain anything from the reading of this book.

The Cardinal's Hat: Money, Ambition, and Everyday Life in the Court of a Borgia Prince

Average customer rating:

brilliant yet, occasionally, tedious
An Important Dusting of the D'Este Archives
AN INCOMPARABLE VIEW OF DAILY LIFE IN RENAISSANCE ITALY
Accounting for an Up-and-Coming Cardinal

The Cardinal's Hat: Money, Ambition, and Everyday Life in the Court of a Borgia Prince
Mary Hollingsworth
Manufacturer: Overlook Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1585676802

Book Description

The Cardinal's Hat is the fascinating story of how Ippolito d'Este, the second son of Lucretia Borgia, acquired the coveted cardinal's hat and became the Archbishop of Milan. Working with Ippolito's letters and ledgers, recently uncovered in an archive in Modena, Italy, Mary Hollingsworth has pieced together a fascinating and undeniably titillating tale of this Renaissance cardinal and his road to power and wealth in sixteenth century Europe.

Customer Reviews:

brilliant yet, occasionally, tedious.......2006-08-07

The beauty of this book is that it uses account books and letters to put together a
very detailed account of the life of an Italian noble churchman who aspired to be
(and near the end of the book becomes) a cardinal. And he's no ordinary cardinal --
he's a favorite of Francois I of France, a patron of Cellini, and the like.

The downside of the book is that every so often you feel as if you're reading an
annotated Visa bill. Long discussions of how much money was paid for different
items, where the best items came from, etc. Not everything is likely to be interesting.
In my case I enjoyed details of how clothing was made (and discovering that furs
were often recycled from one piece to another) but was bored by long discussion of
fees to bargemen and carters for hauling produce.

An Important Dusting of the D'Este Archives.......2006-01-11

One of the most admirable tasks of an art historian is to endure long hours, days, and weeks in cold, often musty, archives to produce an incomparable image based on documents. Since the two previous reviews elaborate on the central figures of the D'Este family, their history, roots, and struggle for power, let me guide the reader to the fine details of Mary Hollingsworth's transcriptions of the family ledgers.

We learn about all levels of the "famiglia," the group of servants around the young Cardinal Ippolito, from men who clothed and fed him, to those who emptied his chamber pots and cleaned his bedchambers, made his candles, embroidered his shirts, and looked after his ledger books. Fascinating is the author's account of crossing the Alps in wintertime, the management of Ippolito's large entourage, transport of huge travel chests and the Cardinal's four-poster bed, worries about miniscule details like the cold feet of his favorite dogs. We learn about the life of a prince who spared no money to buy his cardinal's hat and to promote the image of his noble family.

Try a good glass of Italian wine, fresh semolina bread, and the oil from the former D'Este lands while paging through the book. Great reading for scholars and general readers alike.

AN INCOMPARABLE VIEW OF DAILY LIFE IN RENAISSANCE ITALY.......2005-07-06

Few historical periods are as intriguing as the Renaissance; few families fascinate as much as the Borgias. However, we've not been privy to many firsthand accounts of daily life among the powerful in 16th century Italy. Now, thanks to a bit of luck and assiduous research, art historian Mary Hollingsworth presents a detailed picture of Ippolito d'Este, the second son of Lucretia Borgia who later became Archbishop of Milan.

In Modena, Italy, Hollingsworth came upon a treasure - over 2,00 letters and 200 account books pertaining to the days of Ippolito. The ledgers contain such minute details as the items in his wardrobe, what he ate. He wasn't timid about keeping a log of his women right along with his horses, dogs, falcons, peacocks, and a plethora of servants. Nor, was he embarrassed to note how much was spent on bribes and to whom he paid them. Thus, readers have the unparalleled experience of seeing courtly life on a daily basis, even to Ippolito's visit to the mistress of the King of France while she was in her bath.

Ippolito reached the ripe old age of 29 before he received the cardinal's red hat, which at that time was a guarantee of wealth and power. He was a man who enjoyed women thoroughly and often, gambled frequently, and spent time hunting rather than in prayer. Thus, his elevation to such a lofty position had naught to do with religiosity, much to do with politics.

Mary Hollingsworth has created an amazing view of everyday life among the rich and powerful in Renaissance Italy. Highly recommended.

- Gail Cooke

Accounting for an Up-and-Coming Cardinal.......2005-07-06

A boon for the historian of Renaissance Italy is that it was remarkably bureaucratic, and paper trails are all over the place. They do need finding, sorting, and placing in context. Mary Hollingsworth is such a historian, and was forced by weather to make a detour to Modena in 1999. As long as she was there, she started looking through the archives. A friend had already told her that the story of Ippolito d'Este would be worth looking up, and she started to do so. There were 2,000 of his letters, letters written to him, and 200 account books. She had found "a unique account of life in sixteenth-century Europe, a detailed record of how a Renaissance prince lived." Not just a Renaissance prince, but an archbishop who was a climber, aiming for a cardinal's hat and perhaps the papacy. In _The Cardinal's Hat: Money, Ambition, and Everyday Life in the Court of a Borgia Prince_ (Overlook Press), Hollingsworth has set out her findings in detail. Ippolito has, of course, been written about before, but mostly as an important patron of the arts; he built the magnificent Villa d'Este at Tivoli and he was a patron of the musician Palestrina. The life and career have otherwise been ignored, and Hollingsworth here corrects this void through the remarkable documents she found.

Ippolito d'Este was born in 1509 in Ferrara, the second son of Alfonso d'Este and Lucretia Borgia. The firstborn son was fated to be the Duke of Ferrara, and Ippolito was fated to enter the church. Ippolito was no more pious than his brother; their respective careers were merely a matter of birthright. Ippolito became Archbishop of Milan at age nine, and his family was thereupon interested in making him a cardinal. The means for acquiring the cardinal's hat was financial. The cardinalship was in fact purchased from the corrupt Pope Paul III by the Duke for his brother, although there were many complicated arguments made as all the parties involved attempted to improve their positions in the arrangements. Ippolito's candidacy was greatly improved by his friendship with Francis I of France, with whom he seems to have had a sincere friendship. The two men were interested in the sorts of things young men were interested in, hunting, tennis, gambling, and women. A great deal of Hollingsworth's research has been into account books, and many of the entries are for elaborate, strange, or funny items. Ippolito was a dandy, favoring bright colors, especially expensive reds, with elaborate shirts, doublets, coats, breeches, and hose. One inventory includes 611 shoelaces. Another lists fifteen pairs of gloves, and while gloves themselves were relatively cheap, glove-wearing was expensive, because they were perfumed with ambergris and musk. There are relatively few religious items inventoried, evidence that Ippolito liked his pleasures more than his religious duties. Even his rosaries were filled with musk and ambergris.

Much of Hollingsworth's narrative necessarily involves listing of such properties. This is not really a biography as so many of the details of Ippolito's life are not known, but it is a splendid examination of how rich people of the age spent their time and money. The idea of a cleric and his family spending in such a way might strike our own sensibilities even as immoral, but Ippolito was a man of his time. He seems not to have been any sort of tyrant, and he did some modest good in his patronage of artists. Given his own time and his own goals, he was successful. He very nearly missed getting to be Pope, and he would probably have been as good a one as there were in his times. He and his brother did successfully campaign to get him the cardinalship, and after all the expenditures to that end, Ippolito racked in lucrative titles, becoming titular Abbott or Archbishop of Italian or French branches that brought in money. Francis got what he needed, too, as Ippolito went to Rome as Cardinal-Protector of France. The magnificence described here in such detail proved to be a necessity for political power and a virtue for theological advancement.

Average customer rating:

Cantarella series blanket review
The Borgia web of power gets more complex
Astonishing!>_ <

Cantarella Volume 3 (Cantarella)
You Higuri
Manufacturer: Go!Comi
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0976895781

Book Description

Drink from the Cup of the Borgias... if you dare. Renaissance Italy is rushing headlong toward war, but Cardinal Cesare Borgia has other things on his mind. Burdened with the tempestuous affections of his younger sister Lucrezia and the ever-increasing tension between himself and his reluctant right-hand assassin Chiaro, he's caught by surprise in the clutches of a woman whose desire for him is surpassed only by her fear of what he will do to her if she doesn't see to his immediate and painful death...

Customer Reviews:

Cantarella series blanket review.......2007-01-09

A beutifully written fantasy using a real historical figure portrayed in a tragic light. Beautiful art in the traditional women's manga style, and an engaging story.

The Borgia web of power gets more complex .......2006-11-19

In the 3rd volume, Cesare is even more deceptive and manipulative, not only does he use his power as a Cardinal, but he flirts with Michelotto and continues to be the object of Lucrezia'a obsession. A definite love triangle is forming between the three, since Cesare is both attracted to Michelotto and Lucrezia. Another character Tagio Della Volpe emerges to become another of Cesare's pawns in his bid for power. In this volume we also see Cesare give in to his demonic tendencies as he violently kills and dismembers soldiers that have raped and killed his mother Vanozza.
Higuri's illustration continue to improve as seen by the sexy cover, the story continues to get more twisted and intriguing. Higuri's Cesare just continues to get sexier and darker, he is just so much better when he is wicked. Simply a delight to read.

Astonishing!>_ <.......2006-07-15

this is an interesting & intriguing series. i 1st saw this on an isle in Borders & was drawn in by the title & the beautiful artwork. this series is about a guy whos father sold him to the devil so he has evil spirits that r always around him. then 1 day he meets this guy & he can cleanse him of these demons just by touching him. through a series of events though, he gets sucked into the darkness itself. now his destiny will be either to destroy the world or bring peace and harmony back to renaissance europe.

Average customer rating:

Entertaining History
15th Century Godfather
Fascinating storyline
Those Infamous Borgias
Good read...worth a chance.

The Family
Mario Puzo
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0061032425
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Book Description

"We are a family," Alexander told his children. "And the loyalty of the family must come before everything and everyone else. For if we honor that commitment, we will never be vanquished -- but if we falter in that loyalty, we will all be condemned."

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining History.......2007-08-18

I randomly read this book not know anything about it - not know that it is surprisingly historically accurate in its account and lurid description of Pope Alexander VI's rise and fall. The book is mainly a history with bits of dialogue recreated by the author. In terms of being "historical fiction", I think it leans more on the history than the fiction.
The lives of the Borgias family certainly lends well to the idea that history can be an entertaining endeavor.
The downside is that the book really does try to cover too much information and at many times you forget that you're not in history class anymore.

15th Century Godfather.......2007-07-14

If you like both the "The Godfather" and Renaissance history, "The Family" is the book for you. An historical novel, it is the fictionalized story of the Borgia family of Rodrigo (Pope Alexander VI) and his children, principally Ceasare, the Cardianl turned warrior, and Lucrezia, the beloved commodity who could be shopped around Europe for the best alliance. From the little I have been able to research, the story line seems to be bases in fact, or at least legends which have become fact.

The story reads like that of a 15th century Mafia family. Everything that characterizes the Corleones is also found in the Borgias. Like their later day literary successors, this family revels in intrigue, murder (even within the family), lust, incest and all round disgusting behavior, all within the nurturing environment of a closely knit family.

Normally I would be repelled by a tale of immoral behavior such as this, but "The Family" held my interest. Maybe it is the peak into the life of the clerical nobility of the Renaissance at its worst or maybe it is because the times are so remote from our own that the Borgias do not pose a threat. Maybe it is because people like that really do not inhabit our world anymore. But come to think of it, we still have Corleones don't we?

Fascinating storyline.......2007-05-29

Unlike most of the other reviewers, I actually enjoyed this novel as much as any of Puzo's. The Borgias are an extremely interesting family, and Mario Puzo manages to make them even more so. Perhaps my review is a bit colored by the fact that I read the book shortly after returning from the Vatican, but if you are a fan of Puzo, or interested in the Papacy during the Renaissance, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

Those Infamous Borgias.......2007-02-26

If you're not a history buff, then what you know about the Borgias is probably limited to whatever your high school World History teacher told you: namely, they were a powerful, treacherous Italian Renaissance family who poisoned their enemies and ended up grasping a little too far. I learned a lot more from Puzo's tale, which seeks to humanize the notorious family by painting Rodrigo Borgia's children as the hapless pawns in their father's schemes to unite the Italian peninsula. And I admit, I did feel sympathy for Lucrezia and even papa Borgia, the big Pope Alexander VI himself. But even with all the intrigue, the murder, the sordid details of Borgia incest, the story just sort of plods along. If the focus had remained with just one family member, I might have enjoyed the story more. Instead, it felt fragmented, always jumping from one character to the next. And I understand it's the story of a family, not just an individual. I just think it might have worked better with a more focused narrative.

Good read...worth a chance........2006-09-27

This was the second Puzo book I read, the first of course being the Godfather. While it obviously isn't as great as the Godfather novel, it is still a well-written book, and although the story is fictional, it has a lot of history in it. You can tell Puzo knew a lot about the Borgia family as well as the Holy Roman Empire. There are probably some parts in this book that some people would find boring, but I was able to make it through without skipping pages. As far as the incest, I'm a Stephen King fan, so I'm used to disturbing happenings like that. Just keep an open mind and realize that stuff like this REALLY DID HAPPEN. That it wasn't just some sick-minded thought from Puzo. I checked it out from the library and read it, but ended up buying it. I liked it that much. Very entertaining, but probably not for everybody.

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Jealousy leads to Tragedy

Cantarella Volume 5 (Cantarella)
You Higuri
Manufacturer: Go!Comi
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 193361708X

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When a pair of seductive eyes comes between Cesare and his brother Juan, the escalating tension between the two finally explodes in a frenzy of rage. Will Juan's blade find Cesare's blood glistening on its edge, or will Cesare's ever-quickening descent into madness lead to a much more gruesome end for his dear brother? And caught between the two blades is Cesare's loyal but troubled friend, Chiaro, whose concern for his friend may soon be overwhelmed by his horror at Cesare's ruthlessness...

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Jealousy leads to Tragedy.......2007-02-17

Cesare starts his affair with Sancia D'Aragon, wife of his youngest brother Jofre. Sancia to secure his attention seduces and uses Juan Borgia. In this volume, Higuri emphasizes the lifelong rivalry between Cesare and Juan. Cesare resents Rodrigo's love and praises for Juan. Juan resents and hates Cesare for his demonic power, intelligence, charm, loyal retainers (Chiaro, Volpe), and the love of the important women in their lives (Vanozza, Lucrezia, Sancia) even in the adversities of his life. Juan captures and tortures Chiaro almost to the death which leaves a weakness for the Vanozza demon to exploit that increases the darkness within Cesare. The most intense part of the volume is that the chaotic and destructive rivalry between Cesare and Juan comes to a tragic and explosive end.

Human Vision and The Night Sky: How to Improve Your Observing Skills (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

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Human Vision and The Night Sky: How to Improve Your Observing Skills (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)
Michael P. Borgia
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0387307761

Book Description

This book is intended for amateur astronomers who are readers of Sky & Telescope magazine or similar astronomy periodicals – or are at least at the same level of knowledge and enthusiasm. In particular, those of us who have reached a point where enjoyment is fading because the challenges have run out will appreciate it, because it takes such people to the "next level" in observational astronomy.

It begins with teaching astronomers to use their most important astronomy tool, their eyes. Then it discusses how to select the right telescope – taking into account that everyone is unique – and shows readers how to set up and care for their instruments. Subsequent chapters take the readers on a tour of the solar system as they have never viewed it before… through their own eyes. We start close to home with the hidden treasures of the Moon, on to investigate the power of the Sun, incredibly hot Mercury, the subtleties of Venus, the changing surface of Mars, the outer solar system and then on into deep space. Each chapter includes a series of observing challenges that will entertain and push the reader to continually higher levels of achievement.

Amateur astronomers will learn, through this book, many of the same lessons that professionals learned as they conducted similar observations.

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