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. ( )