"In the 15th century, the Vatican is corrupt, secretive, and political. Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI through sheer bribery, stands at its center. A wordly pope, his lustful appetites are matched only by his love for his children - sons and daughters including the beautiful Lucrezia and the handsome warrior Cesare. In Puzo's hands, the story of the Borgias' affairs becomes a vivid tapestry of pride, romance, jealousy, and betrayal."--Container....

With all the pomp and ceremony of medieval Italy as a colourful backdrop, Sabatini masterfully recreates the political intrigue and misguided loyalties that reigned as the 'Banner of the Bull' waved victoriously over the land. Weaving deft descriptions and spirited characterizations into historical events, this re-creates three episodes in the remarkable story of the notorious Cesare Borgia.

Maureen Pascal uncovers a scandal in Renaissance Italy and must face a descendant of the mad monk Savonarola and a 500-year-old vendetta that threatens Maureen's life.

Isabelle d’Este, daughter of the Duke of Ferrara, born into privilege and the political and artistic turbulence of Renaissance Italy, is a stunning black-eyed blond and an art lover and collector. Worldly and ambitious, she has never envied her less attractive sister, the spirited but naïve Beatrice, until, by a quirk of fate, Beatrice is betrothed to the future Duke of Milan. Although he is more than twice their age, openly lives with...

"'During the sweltering Roman summer of 1492, Rodrigo Borgia has risen to power as pope. Rodrigo's eldest son Cesare, forced to follow his father into the church and newly made the Archbishop of Valencia, chafes at his ecclesiastical role and fumes with jealousy and resentment at the way that his foolish brother has been chosen for the military greatness he desired. Maddalena Moretti comes from the countryside, where she has seen how the whims of...

Esther Sarfati, known as Violante, becomes a lady-in-waiting to the illegitimate daughter of the Pope, Lucrezia Borgia, and falls in love with Lucrezia's brother, Cesare, as she finds herself drawn into the rivalry between the Borgia and Ferrara families.