The Cardinal's Hat: Money, Ambition, and Everyday Life in the Court of a Borgia Prince

Summary (from the publisher): Drawing on the extensive letters and account books in the state archives at Modena, scholar of Renaissance art and architecture Hollingsworth, reconstructs the household life of Ippolito d'Este, one of the leading cardinals of the 16th century, a serious contender for papal election on several occasions, and one of the most important patrons of the arts in Rome.

Review: This non-fiction book traces the life of Ippolito d'Este, second son of the famous Lucrezia Borgia.  Hollingsworth primarily draws on account books such as financial ledgers and letters from Ippolito to his older brother Ercole II to construct this tale. I was initially drawn to this book because like many I'm fascinated by the Borgia family. I watch the Borgias show on Showtime and just read a novel about Catherine de Medici who Ippolito knew as a member of the king of France's court. However, I was disappointed to find that rather than a biography, this is a detailed account of the price of everything in Ippolito's household from his many servants to the thread for his many garments. The vast majority of the book focuses on expenses Ippolito occured as a very wealthy and powerful figure leading up to receiving his cardinal hat. Additionally, I was disappointed that the novel rather abruptly concludes once Ippolito becomes a cardinal and only alludes to the rest of his life. I wanted to know what became of him. 

I was interested in learning about how very little time powerful people spent at home during this time period. Ippolito spends a small fortune on his private residence only to leave for four years. I also found it interesting learning how little time he spent devoted to any religious matters. For a cardinal, he doesn't seem too concerned with church issues, but instead lavishes court ladies with gifts and spends his time gambling and searching for good horses and dogs.  

While too reliant on endless lists of expenses, this book was an insightful look at the lives of the wealthy during this time period, as well as the corruption of the Catholic church.

Stars: 2.5