The Word of Borgia
The Word of Borgia is a historical novel by Rafael Sabatini, first published in 1929. It tells the story of Cesare Borgia, the son of Pope Alexander VI, and his rise to power in Renaissance Italy. The novel follows Cesare's life from his childhood in Rome to his eventual death in 1507. It covers his military campaigns, his political maneuverings, and his relationships with his father, his sister Lucrezia, and his mistress, Giulia Farnese. It also examines the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the various Italian states and the papacy. The novel paints a vivid picture of life in Renaissance Italy, and of the machinations of the Borgia family. It is a gripping tale of ambition, power, and betrayal, and a fascinating look at one of the most notorious figures of the Italian Renaissance.
By Rafael Sabatini · First published 1917 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 2 chapters · 6,479 words
First lines
MISTRUSTING the object of this gathering to which so secretly he had been bidden, Messer Graziani ambushed a half-score of his men about the street below, with orders to force their way into the house should he smash one of the windows as a signal.
Therefore it was with a mind comparatively at ease that he entered the long, low-ceilinged room where the conspirators awaited him. Situated in the mezzanine, this room ran the entire width of that palace of the Lord Ranieri, near the Bridge of Augustus, in Rimini, and overlooked the street at one end and the River Marecchia at the other.
What this Textopian page supports
The Word of Borgia is listed on Textopian as a novel by Rafael Sabatini, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Rafael Sabatini
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Historical Drama
- Length: 6,479 words
- Structure: 2 chapters, 220 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Word of Borgia by Rafael Sabatini
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Word of Borgia?
- How does this novel by Rafael Sabatini fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The Word of Borgia is set in the late 15th century and follows the story of Cesare Borgia, a historical figure, and his rise to power in Italy.
- Adventure — The Word of Borgia follows Cesare Borgia's journey as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of Italy and attempts to gain power.
- Romance — The Word of Borgia features a romantic subplot between Cesare Borgia and his lover, Giulia Farnese.
- Historical Drama — The Word of Borgia is a dramatic retelling of the life of Cesare Borgia and his rise to power in Italy.
Tags
Adventure · Romance · barbo · bidden · borgia · capello · cesare · cesare's · chair · cloak · conspirators · door
Contents
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2