The history of the Vatican is interesting to put it mildly. That it was not just that - that it was manipulative, murderous, incestuous and every shade of corruption in between is being about right. The history is chequered with every human frailty that one can imagine and the Borgias were one family which encapsulated all of the above.

This was a complicated book, which I read over a period of a couple of months. It had to be digested in small doses as it was not easy to read (I am a Catholic myself). But it was excellent historical reading which anyway cannot be erased, however unpalatable it would be!!

As another reviewer explained, the author states clearly facts as what is written and tabulated from hearsay and fiction which could be greatly exaggerated to suit the whims of enemies and competitors. This was a highlight for me.

Sent by Sapere Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley. My apologies for the delay.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

Love everything Borgia so when I get the chance to read more I jump all over it
Really enjoyed this
Well researched and written in a really accessible way
absolutely devoured this

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Very interesting and informative of the rise and fall of the House of Borgia. Recommended.

I just couldn’t get into this book. I didn’t like the writing style and I couldn’t grasp the story. (Arc from NetGalley

A captivating portrait of one of the most dysfunctional families of the Renaissance and a very colorful tapestry of the early 16th century Italian Peninsula.

Never a dull moment with that bunch of treasonous, ruthless and backstabbing psychopaths navigating the treacherous waters around the pontifical
throne of one of the most cynical & utterly depraved popes in
Church history.

Excellently researched, this rollicking and truculent account of the multifaceted
Borgias is a must read for anyone interested in early European Modern history.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for this terrific ARC

A brilliant, in depth look at the House of Borgia and how Rodrigo and his family nearly ruled the whole of Italy through many different alliances, schemes and bribery.
This is how a history book shoukd be written, examining in great detail and with a comprehensive amount of research.
What I really enjoyed was how the book looked at the subject from a political and historical point of view, with regards to why things were happening and the possible motives.
As someone who has never read a book on The Borgia and who has little knowledge of Italian history, I found this book to be a great read and immensely enjoyable.
I'm looking forward to going back and reading the author's other books in the series as my appetite has been whetted.

I have studied the Renaissance period and artwork was a major consideration in the time period, and it was families like the House of Medic and the House of Borgia. that made the Renaissance what it was. "The book, "The Fall of the House of Borgia". focused on Pope Alexander VI as known as Rodrigo Lanzo Borgia and his offspring.
I have been a fan of Ross King and Andrew Grahman-Dixon's books, so I looked forward to reading E.R.Camblerlain's book and I was pleased that the writing was simular. to my favorite authors, I enjoy this type of writing,, especially when the authors writes a book that is a nonfiction genre, which appears more like a fictional novel.
Because of the Showtime series,, most viewers probably believed that the program portrayed the actual history of the Borgia family. The Pope's children were illegitmate, yet the Pope managed to gain status for his offspring and through his spousal choices, and he also managed to line the family coffers, because of his choices.
I found the book interesting and quite pleasant to read, as a result, I would give this book a five star rating. I would like to thank NetGalley, E,R. Chamerliun, and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Though this book is called the Fall of the House of Borgia, it spends little time discussing the fall and more discussing the rise and the apogee. The book begins with the first Borgia pope and ends with a summary of the descendants into the first and second generations, giving little time to why the Borgias fell and the fallout.

The Borgias are quite an interesting bunch to read about. All the machinations that occur throughout their reign keep the reader on their toes, especially if you're a history buff like me. The author's writing style is straight to the point, with doses of wry humor and sarcasm. Definitely a worthwhile read.

325 pages

4 stars

I am fairly new to the study of the Borgia family. I knew that Rodrigo was pope (Alexander VI), and I thought he had bribed and cajoled his way into the position. The other common rumors, I have heard about as well.

This book is fascinating. It is a comprehensive study of the life of Rodrigo Borgia and his ascension to the papal throne as Pope Alexander VI. It also discusses his relationship with various women and his direct influence on his children, Cesare, Juan and Lucrezia. (some would call it interference or meddling.)

It talked about the things he achieved and his personality. While he was very intelligent, he was also ruthless. His ascension is all the more remarkable for being considered an “outsider.” (He was not Italian.)

I found it to be very well researched and the script was detailed. I enjoyed reading this book.

I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the Borgias, the papacy or late 1400’s Italian politics.

I Want to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for forwarding to me a copy of this very interesting book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.

*** This book is not yet available on BookBub to review.. I will watch the site.