G. J. Meyer is the author of two popular works of history, The Tudors and A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, as well as Executive Blues and The Memphis Murders. He received an M.A. from the University of Minnesota, where he was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, and later was awarded Harvard University’s Nieman Fellowship in Journalism. He has taught at colleges in Des Moines, St. Louis, and New York, and now lives in Wiltshire, England.
“A vivid and at times startling reappraisal of one of the most
notorious dynasties in history . . . If you thought you knew the
Borgias, this book will surprise you.”—Tracy Borman, author of
Queen of the Conqueror and Elizabeth’s Women
“The Borgias is a fascinating look into the lives of the notorious
Italian Renaissance family and its reputation for womanizing,
murder and corruption. Meyer turns centuries of accepted wisdom
about the Borgias on its head, probing deep into contemporary
documents and neglected histories to reveal some surprising truths.
. . . The Borgias: The Hidden History is a gripping history of a
tempestuous time and an infamous family.”—Shelf Awareness
“Meyer brings his considerable skills to another infamous
Renaissance family, the Borgias [and] a fresh look into the
machinations of power in Renaissance Italy. . . . [He] makes a
convincing case that the Borgias have been given a raw
deal.”—Historical Novels Review
“The mention of the Borgia family often conjures up images of a
ruthless drive for power via assassination, serpentine plots, and
sexual debauchery. This is partially owing to propaganda spread by
contemporary rivals of the Borgias, nineteenth-century Renaissance
historians, and even films and television shows. . . . [Meyer]
convincingly looks past the mythology to present a more nuanced
portrait of some members and their achievements. . . . [The]
Borgias are treated with . . . evenhandedness in this
well-researched and surprising study.”—Booklist
“Many accounts of the Borgias focus on the most scandalous stories
about this powerful Italian Renaissance family. . . . Meyer argues
that many of these salacious tales are untrue and the result of
slander. Through a logical and thoughtful examination of sources .
. . he shows that claims of corruption, poisoning, incest, and
murder are untrue or greatly exaggerated.”—Library Journal
“The lively narrative makes a familiar but still incredibly
complicated historical period easier to get a handle on.”—Waterloo
Region Record
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