More like 2.5, but I grant 1/2 point for the research put into it. I learned much from this work, but it would have been considerably improved by having an index of characters. I simply had a hard time keeping track of all the players in the brief life of Cesare Borgia. He was hell-on-wheels ambitious for money and power, and really didn't care who he killed, cheated or trod on to get what he wanted. Like all rich people who believe that, because they are rich, nobody should reproach them for the wrongs they have done, Cesare simply couldn't understand why people hated him for past offences against them. As Machiavelli said, "Whoever believes that with great men [or women] new services wipe out old injuries deceives himself." If I didn't already know how crooked religions are, I would be shocked at the evil committed in the name of God by the Catholic Church and its Vatican. The Duke Cesare could get away with anything as long as his father (!) the Pope was in power. Just amazing. ( )

The companion work to her superb “Lucrezia Borgia”, Bradford’s exploration of the life of Lucrezia’s highly controversial brother offers an insightful look into the world of late 15th century/early 16th century Rome and Europe in general. Born the illegitimate son of Rodrigo Borgia, who rose to become Pope Alexander VI, Cesare was originally intended by his father for a career in the Church. Within the confines of filial loyalty, he resisted but was made a cardinal at the age of eighteen. Several years later, when Cesare’s brother, Juan was murdered, Cesare not only became the chief suspect but he also finally acquired the life he wanted, replacing Juan in their father’s plans. Resigning his cardinalate, he went on to become a brilliant diplomat, feared war leader, one of the most envied men of his time, and quite probably the inspiration for Machievelli’s “The Prince”. His fall, when it came, was as spectacular as his rise. With the destruction of the Borgias, they have faded from history, remaining little more than caricatures attached to scandalous accusations. Bradford makes clear that the truth is very different and far more fascinating. ( )