Description
Traces the story of a seventeenth-century mistress who significantly influenced the Catholic church and international policy in Rome during the reign of her lover and brother-in-law, Pope Innocent X.
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The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries are considered by many to be the nadir of the Vatican. The papacy was considered the property of great Italian families, traded and fought over among them. Popular historian Herman tells the story of Olimpia Maidalchini, sister-in-law and perhaps mistress of Pope innocent X. Using family letters, Vatican records and diplomatic gossip, Herman reconstructs the life of this ambitious, intelligent women. Maidalchini used her influence with the pope to acquire and use power. In the same way men worked the system to their own advantage, she enriched herself and her family at the expense of the Church. Her story is a fascinating look at the intrigues and machinations of the papal court. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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