Lucretia Borgia According to Original Documents and Correspondence of Her Day

by Ferdinand Gregorovius

"Lucretia Borgia According to Original Documents and Correspondence of Her Day" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the intriguing life of Lucretia Borgia, exploring her background as the illegitimate daughter of the infamous Rodrigo Borgia, later Pope Alexander VI, and the complex societal and familial dynamics surrounding her. It seeks to shed light on the often misunderstood character of Lucretia, juxtaposing her legend against the documented history of her family during a tumultuous period in Renaissance Italy. The opening of the book sets the stage by providing a thorough introduction to Lucretia's father, Rodrigo Borgia, detailing his rise within the Church, his relationships, and the political machinations of the time that shaped Lucretia's early life. It outlines Rodrigo's background, character, and the influence of his Spanish origins, contributing to a broader understanding of the Borgia family's impact on Italian history. Additionally, the text begins to explore the implications of Lucretia's lineage and her childhood, foreshadowing the challenges and societal expectations she would face as a female member of a powerful, yet notorious, family in a patriarchal society.