Prince of Foxes / by Samuel Shellabarger

I heartily agree with other readers who have given Prince of Foxes 5 stars. This novel is fast-paced, informative, believeable, beautifully written and a fantastic blend of history and fiction. Mr. Shellabarger manages to educate the reader about the warring Italian city states of the period while holding their attention with a wholly credible depiction of people and places of the time. The characters in these pages are not the stick figure cartoons of so many bodice-rippers, but display actual psychological development and manage to engage the reader into caring about them - a rare occurrence in much of what passes these days as historical fiction. Once I got past about the first two chapters, I couldn't put this one down. There are no contrived coincidences to spoil the plot development, none of the artificial saving of the day that too often destroys believability. This has to rate as one of the most enjoyable reads I have had in a long time, not to mention, has captured my attention to the extent that I now want to learn more about the Borgias and the times they lived in. Highly recommended. (As an aside, I was disappointed to find that the Tyrone Power/ Orson Welles Hollywood film based on the book is not available on any of the DVD sites I checked. Maybe just as welll, as my own mental images of the characters remain unspoiled.)

Woo-hoo! After years of hoarding the two old library-discard copies of Prince of Foxes my grandmother gave me (one to read, one apparently to keep locked up in case something horrible happened to copy number one), it's finally available again! Now I can recommend with impunity... Wonderful book, no matter your interests. Now all we have to do is get Lord Vanity back into print.

It seems as though swashbuckling, adventure, and intrigue, reached their all time highs in the Renaissance Italy of Samuel Shellabarger's novel, The Prince of Foxes. Frome the moment we meet the hero, Messer Andrea Orsini, in the workshop of a famous artisan with an order from the Pope, his charm and guile are evident. Having a sympathetic hero ( or rather heroes, if one chooses to include Camilla Borglione and Mario Belli in that elite group), is one of the strengths of this book. And Orsini is not the only one capable of holding attention, as Shellabarger weaves a veritable net of notable secondary characters. The historical accuracy of the novel is doubtful, but because of the subtle atmosperic touches and use of Italian Renaissance vocabulary it is very easy to insert oneself into the action. In fact, the descriptions of the clothing of the period are so vivid, I found myself envying the beautiful gowns and jewelry. This book was a quick read, as the action kept a steady pace and the plot took unexpected twists and turns. But I can't tell you anymore, lest I spoil the adventure. And so....."To a clatter of hoofs on the drawbridge, a ruffle of drums, a flourish of trumpets, a grounding of halberds....." I'll leave you to the Prince of Foxes.

My father handed me his old worn copy of Prince of Foxes, without even a cover, and told me that I'd like it. Well, he was more than right. If you like action, intrigue, romance, and who doesn't, this is a great book. Believe me, order it now, you won't be sorry!

In the finest tradition of historical romance writers Rafael Sabatini and Alexandre Dumas, Prince of Foxes is Shellabarger's masterpiece. More exciting and cheerful than his other works, including Captain from Castille or Lord Vanity, the author uses Prince of Foxes to weave a rich historical tapestry while carefully mapping the transition of a human heart from greed to love, self-interest to nobility. The captivating and increasingly admirable character of Andrea Orsini, Shellabarger's Renaissance Man, delights the reader with his wit and charm, while warming the heart with his loyalty and courage. Although I have found Rafael Sabatini's writings to be generally superior to those of Shellabarger, this is without a doubt the best novel I have ever had the privilege of reading.