Customer Reviews

The Borgias

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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of the lesser known of Dumas' works, and it is actually the first part of his Celebrated Crimes series.

Most of Dumas' writtings are characterized by historically accurate plots together with deep, maybe a bit stereotypical characters. This book is quite different. The characters lay lifeless in the background of the historical document. It is well written and very entertaining but definitely different from his other very well known novels, such as the Musketeer series, Montecristo, the Black Tulip, and so on.

Quite honestly, in my opinion, his novels are much better than his non-fiction works such as this one.

Regarding form, I was overwhelmed by how careless the editors of this edition are. Theres quite a few typos PER PAGE! Once you're able to overlook this detail, this is a fine read.

This is not a novel, but a collection of historical facts and rumors that souuround the Borgia clan. A little sensationalistic and written with a moralizing tone, but a fascinating read. Dumas sometimes cites sources and other times does not so its not always easy to seperate facts from rumors from speculation. He certainly buys into the murder, poisionings, rapes, incest, and general licentiousness accusations that surrounded Pope Alwexander VI, Caesar and Lucretia. His listing of the Pope's illigitimate children and thier order of birth does not agree with more modern authors, but that's a minor point. This book has been used as a source for other writers on the Borgias. As I said, its a fascinating read and once you start, you can't put it down. Good introduction to how the Borgia clan got its sinister reputation.

I am not judging the content but the translation. The translation is extremely poor. It is full of typographical errors and has not been proofread. I notice that the name of the translator is not on the cover. I am not surprised. I would not wish mine to appear either if I were responsible for it. Literary translation is an art this is very pedestrian. I started to read the book but then decided to read it in the original and recycle this sorry effort.

An interesting read given its era. Entertaining even if not terribly objective. But silly typos detract. 'Mare' frequently substitutes for 'more'. 'Farce' for 'force etc.
And proper names spelt in varying ways so one is unsure what the real name is! Still v. enjoyable.

Bought this book as vacation read. Finished this book quickly. Page turner and very interesting subject. Good read for upcoming Showtime series in 2011.

Typos is an understatement. This is without a doubt the most horribly edited/proofread book I have ever come across. How anyone could overlook this and give a good review is beyond me. Names are spelled in a variety of ways (the same names) throughout the entire book - extremely confusing - especially if the reader is unfamiliar or new to the Borgia and the times. Whoever translated it obviously thought all vowels were interchangeable. The subject matter is interesting, no arguement there, but there are much better books out there on the subject. I also thought the extraordinary amount of words spent counting soldiers, horses, blades could have been better spent illuminating the characters. This may be part of Dumas's style but I thought it was too repetitive and somewhat boring. Save your money or look for it by another publisher.

This book as very little about the Borgias and plenty about Charles VIII. Don't even waste your money buying it.

Should be read by everyone. Historical as well as entertaining. Also, show that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

... Our copy of ''THE BORGIAS'' did NOT have the cover as pictured. Substandard printing quailty for a hardback book.
Way, way overpriced. A friend of ours found a copy, with the full color cover at Walmart for a third of what we paid
at Amazon.com... That is Very Rare!!!