Prince of Foxes [Mass Market Paperback]

Samuel Shellabarger (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback
• Publisher: Bantam (1963)
• ASIN: B0026A6U74
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,960,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Prince of a Book!, September 25, 2003

By 

sophia taylor (Shorewood, WI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prince of Foxes (Paperback)

It seems as though swashbuckling, adventure, and intrigue, reached their all time highs in the Renaissance Italy of Samuel Shellabarger's novel, The Prince of Foxes. Frome the moment we meet the hero, Messer Andrea Orsini, in the workshop of a famous artisan with an order from the Pope, his charm and guile are evident. Having a sympathetic hero ( or rather heroes, if one chooses to include Camilla Borglione and Mario Belli in that elite group), is one of the strengths of this book. And Orsini is not the only one capable of holding attention, as Shellabarger weaves a veritable net of notable secondary characters.
The historical accuracy of the novel is doubtful, but because of the subtle atmosperic touches and use of Italian Renaissance vocabulary it is very easy to insert oneself into the action. In fact, the descriptions of the clothing of the period are so vivid, I found myself envying the beautiful gowns and jewelry.
This book was a quick read, as the action kept a steady pace and the plot took unexpected twists and turns. But I can't tell you anymore, lest I spoil the adventure. And so....."To a clatter of hoofs on the drawbridge, a ruffle of drums, a flourish of trumpets, a grounding of halberds....." I'll leave you to the Prince of Foxes.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Swordplay & saintliness, courtesy & courage: Andrea Orsini, December 17, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Detroit, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prince of Foxes (Hardcover)

In the finest tradition of historical romance writers Rafael Sabatini and Alexandre Dumas, Prince of Foxes is Shellabarger's masterpiece. More exciting and cheerful than his other works, including Captain from Castille or Lord Vanity, the author uses Prince of Foxes to weave a rich historical tapestry while carefully mapping the transition of a human heart from greed to love, self-interest to nobility. The captivating and increasingly admirable character of Andrea Orsini, Shellabarger's Renaissance Man, delights the reader with his wit and charm, while warming the heart with his loyalty and courage.

Although I have found Rafael Sabatini's writings to be generally superior to those of Shellabarger, this is without a doubt the best novel I have ever had the privilege of reading.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally Back in Print!!, September 21, 2004

By 

drommie1810 (VA Beach, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prince of Foxes (Paperback)

Woo-hoo! After years of hoarding the two old library-discard copies of Prince of Foxes my grandmother gave me (one to read, one apparently to keep locked up in case something horrible happened to copy number one), it's finally available again! Now I can recommend with impunity...

Wonderful book, no matter your interests. Now all we have to do is get Lord Vanity back into print.