Puzo's fiction

The Dark Arena (1955) The Fortunate Pilgrim (1964) The Godfather (1969) Fools Die (1978) The Sicilian (1984) The Fourth K (1992) The Last Don (1996) Omerta (2000)

Puzo wrote several novels and assorted Hollywood screenplays.

He also wrote the screenplays for the three Godfather films, for which he was won two Oscars.

The third book of his hugely successful Godfather trilogy was published posthumously this summer.

The Godfather, the saga of the fictional Corleone Mafia family, became one of the best-selling books of all time, selling more than 21 million copies worldwide.

Puzo said his portrayal of the Corleones, with their emphasis on honour and family, was ''a very romanticised myth".

He charted the family's rise in the early years of 20th century America, its slide into organised crime, links to Sicilian traditions and the ultimate downfall of its leaders.

Marlon Brando was The Godfather, Don Vito Corleone

The tale of the real Borgia family bears many similarities to the made-up Corleone story.

They were the descendants of a noble line, originally from Valencia, Spain, that established roots in Italy.

They became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 1400s and 1500s.

The house of the Borgias produced two popes and many other political and church leaders.

But along the way, some members of the family also became known for their treachery, ruthlessness and promiscuity.