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The Borgias

Power and Depravity in Renaissance Italy

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The Borgias

Written by: Paul Strathern
Narrated by: Julian Elfer
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The Borgia family have become a byword for evil. Corruption, incest, ruthless megalomania, avarice, and vicious cruelty - all have been associated with their name. And yet, paradoxically, this family lived when the Renaissance was coming into its full flowering in Italy. Examples of infamy flourished alongside some of the finest art produced in western history.

This is but one of several paradoxes associated with the Borgia family. For the family which produced corrupt popes, depraved princes, and poisoners, would also produce a saint. These paradoxes which so characterize the Borgias have seldom been examined in great detail. Previously history has tended to condemn, or attempt in part to exonerate, this remarkable family. Yet in order to understand the Borgias, much more is needed than evidence for and against. The Borgias must be related to their time, together with the world which enabled them to flourish. Within this context the Renaissance itself takes on a very different aspect. Was the corruption part of the creation, or vice versa?

The primitive psychological forces which first played out in the amphitheaters of ancient Greece are all here. Along with the final, tragic downfall.

©2019 Paul Strathern (P)2019 Tantor Europe Historical Italy Renaissance Royalty Middle Ages
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I competed the authors books on the Medici and Death in Florence which were also very interesting and enjoyable. This is a narration style history as his two other books I mentioned are. Very easy listen for all you who want to dive into history but do not want to schlep through dry arduous listens.

excellent

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An interesting book on Roman and papal history. Lots of gruesome deed. Made for interesting listening. Perhaps I would have gotten more out of it, if I hadn’t been multitasking, as I could benefit from a re-listen.

Interesting history

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Honestly, the story of Alexander VI is one of a villain. So if you're interested in the story of a bad guy, this book is pretty good

it's a detailed book

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