Episode 5
Alexander's difficulties with enemies are complicated by his children's marital problems. As the French prepare to invade, his Papacy is in the balance. 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.
Episode 5:
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.
Read by Robert Glenister
Written by Sarah Dunant
Abridged by Eileen Horne
Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
Last on
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Producer | Clive Brill |
| Reader | Robert Glenister |
| Abridger | Eileen Horne |
| Author | Sarah Dunant |
Broadcasts
Fri 31 May 201322:45BBC Radio 4- Fri 11 Aug 201714:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 12 Aug 201702:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
Short stories to keep
The fiction podcast featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
