The Borgias: The Rise and Fall of the Most Infamous Family in History

by Michael Edward Mallett

The Borgias are one of the most notorious families in European history, not because of any lasting achievements nor for long occupation of positions of power and influence, but because of the moral outrages committed by members of two generations of the family at a time when Italy was at the centre of the European stage. The activities of Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI, and his children, Cesare and Lucrezia, have attracted the attention of poets, playwrights, novelists and musicians as well as contemporary pamphleteers and historians of all subsequent generations. Most of these have devoted themselves to describing the private lives of these members of the Borigia family, thus creating the impression that the only memorable things about them were their poisonings and their incest.

What has rarely been attempted in any reasonably accessible form, and therefore with little impact on popular ideas, is an assessment of the social and political aims and achievements of the Borgia family as a whole. Who were the Borgias? What were they doing in the fifteenth century that made them so hated and feared in Italy? What were the wider implications of the two Borgia pontificates? What happened to the family after the death of Alexander VI? These are the questions which this book attempts to answer for the benefit of as wide an audience as possible. The main significance of the Borgias lies not in their crimes and immoralities but in the dramatic rise of the family from a position of relatively obscure Spanish nobility to the highest position in Renaissance society. It lies in the policies of Alexander VI as one of the leading Popes of the Renaissance: the extent to which these policies were designed for the continued advancement of the family, and the extent to which he succeeded in creating positions of influence and importance for his family in Italy, France, and Spain, which survived for over two centuries.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Renaissance, Biography

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mallett writes in a scholarly, but often engaging, style and provides an adequate overview of the famous (or infamous) family. However, I found 2 elements of the book less than satisfying. First, Mallett gives exceedingly short accounts of many of the most notorious acts of which the Borgias are commonly accused--e.g., Cesare's murder of his brother, orgies at the Vatican during Alexander VI's pontificate, etc. Second, the author goes out of his way to dispute many of these allegations. In fact, his defenses of the Borgias are often considerably longer than his accounts of the underlying events of which they are accused! I would have found a more balanced treatment more enjoyable.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won't lie, I STRUGGLED through this book.

I think half the struggle was that this is a dense book. As someone who knew nothing about The Borgias, I had no idea of the papal connections. The story revolves around the eminent Rodrigo De Borja, Pope Alexander VI, and his son Cesare Borgia. With such strong tie ins to the Vatican, you best prepare yourself for a history lesson on Pope this and Duke that, if it doesn't bore you too soundly.

I note that the author Michael Mallet, is a history lecturer at a university (details to come). I feel like this is relevant because I feel like it reads like a book authored by a university professor- in that it is highly accurate (going from the large source of citations at the back of the book) and well ordered, while being blandly told. Mallett authors a book about the Borgias which manages to almost entirely suck any fascination and intrigue from the story. This may be due to Mallett's qualifications as a Professor of history, not of English or literature- whatever it may be, what you have is a dense book with whirling names and events listed in an orderly fashion, without any of the Borgia mystery and intrigue really captivating you.

I applaud Mallett's research on this subject and his faithful compiling of Borgia events, but this book- to me at least- is a hard slog for anyone who needs more from a book than a bland stating of Borgia history.

[amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for beginners on Borgia history, the last two chapters also offer information on what happened to the Borgia dynasty after the major figures passed away. The meat of the book mostly focuses on Rodrigo and Cesare's actions, which is not something I can complain about since their actions are what drove them to the power that they once, briefly, held. This book also dispels, or at least clarifies, certain myths and rumors regarding the Borgias, but it does not offer an explanation on what these rumors were as directly as it should if we consider this to be a book for those unaware of who the family was. This can be excused due to the date in which it was published.
All in all, it offers a clear idea of them and does not fall victim to sensationalism, offering a sober read.

[David]

A book that makes one wonder whether or not anyone in the late 15th and early 16th centuries had ever heard of that Jesus fellow. Considering that its central characters are primarily Popes and Cardinals, it’s pretty major question.

[Windsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than I thought. Really makes you wonder if the family matters, and it's hard to say no with the political evidence. Alexander dominated Italian politics, although it's hard to find a pope outside of him who did the same for his family

[Timbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A balance view of the Borgia family, although lacking in full historical context for Lucrezia.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is difficult to think of a family as controversial as the Borgias. The libidinous life of pope Alexander VI and the ruthless actions of his son Cesare generated no shortage of enemies, who did much to define them as infamous characters. One of the strengths of Michael Mallett's book is his effort to sort out the truth from the many scandalous libels levied against them. His sober and reasoned judgments make for a welcome contrast from the many authors who indulge in the tales too entertaining to debunk.

Another great strength is Mallett's focus; though his book is centered around the life of Rodrigo Borja, the future Alexander VI, it encompasses the full range of Borjas and Borgias, from their beginnings as Spanish noblemen in the Middle Ages, through the first Borgia pope Calixtus III to St. Francis Borgia of the Jesuit order. In doing so, he highlights their leadership within the Catholic Church, as well as their prominence withing southern European politics and society during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It is this combination of sober judgment and balanced perspective which make Mallett's book the best balanced overview of the Borgia family and their contribution to history.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Borgias are an interesting family. This book challenges the nasty reputations the Borgias have had throughout history, particularly the daughter. I'm always a little suspicious when people are that maligned.

There was something about the writing that made me feel the arguments would have more weight if presented in a more vigorous academic style.

[Andrew Tierney · Rating 3 out of 5]

V interesting and comprehensive coverage of the Borgias. I agree it's a tough read, though not so tough as say a Joseph Conrad novel for instance. I'd probably class it as a 20th century history book for people who don't mind reading 19th century literature.

[Tanja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative reading but dry as a high-school textbook.
Too many facts, too little personalities.
I think Borgias were more than battles and church politics.