Join us for a discussion of The Borgias and Their Enemies: 1431–1519 by Christopher Hibbert. The name Borgia is synonymous with the corruption, nepotism and greed that were rife in Renaissance Italy. The powerful, voracious Rodrigo Borgia, better known as Pope Alexander VI, was the central figure of the dynasty. Two of his seven papal offspring also rose to power and fame—Lucrezia Borgia, his daughter, whose husband was famously murdered by her brother, and that brother, Cesare, who served as the model for Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince. Notorious for seizing power, wealth, land and titles through bribery, marriage and murder, the dynasty's dramatic rise from its Spanish roots to its occupation of the highest position in Renaissance society forms a gripping tale. Erudite, witty and always insightful, Hibbert removes the layers of myth surrounding the Borgia family.

The discussion will be led by Lynn Harris.