Blood and Beauty
by Sarah Dunant
Abridged in 10 parts by Eileen Horne
Book at Bedtime, 27 May to 07 June 2013
160/44; 161 MB; sound quality excellent
Read by Robert Glenister
Acclaimed novelist of the Italian Renaissance Sarah Dunant takes on the era's most infamous family - the Borgias.
The story of the Borgia Pope is not long - Roderigo Borgia, Alexander VI, was the Head of the Church for barely a decade - but an enormous amount of activity, social, political and sexual was crammed into that period.
Our abridgement begins in August 1492 when Roderigo Borgia wins his campaign to become Pope, and describes the repercussions for his children, Cesare, Juan, Lucrezia and Jofre. Juan, the only legitimate son, will be allied in marriage to Spain, while Cesare is promised to the church - thus ensuring their legacy within the Vatican. As for Lucrezia, she is part of the price Borgia paid for his Papacy - though only 12, she must wed to shore up an uneasy alliance with the powerful Milanese Sforza family.
We follow the story to 1497, the year when Pope Alexander VI begins to lose his grip on the power he had so masterfully controlled for 5 years.
Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
1/10 Brilliant politicking and silver brings Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia the prize of the papacy.
2/10 Pope Alexander VI begins his reign with caution, impressing the Romans while keeping his mistress and his children in check - as best he can.
3/10 Lucrezia frets about the strategic alliance her father is making with her marriage, and Cesare is recalled to Rome.
4/10 Alexander plays out the diplomatic chess game of matchmaking his three eligible offspring, and manages to make his fourth, Cesare, a Cardinal.
5/10 Alexander's difficulties with his enemies are complicated by his children's marital problems. As the French prepare to invade Italy, his Papacy hangs in the balance.
6/10 The invading army arrives at the gates of Rome, aided by Lucrezia's traitorous husband.
7/10 Alexander and Cesare adopt a devious strategy against the French King and his vast army.
8/10 Now that the war is over, the Borgia familial intrigues take centre stage.
9/10 While Lucrezia's marriage is brought to an end, the Duke of Gandia plays soldier.
10/10 By Sarah Dunant. Juan's arrogance causes mayhem, while Cesare tries to comfort his sister.
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