The Borgias (Italian Histories")

Corruption, incest, ruthless megalomania, avarice and vicious cruelty-- all have been associated with the name Borgia. But the family which produced corrupt popes, depraved princes and poisoners would also produce a saint. Strathern believes that, in order to understand the Borgias, one must understand the world which enabled them to flourish: the Renaissance. -- adapted from jacket