Prince Of Foxes - first Bridge Works edition
by Shellabarger, Samuel
In the finest tradition of historical romance writers Rafael Sabatini and
Alexandre Dumas, Prince of Foxes is Shellabarger's masterpiece. From 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 atmospheric touches and use of
Italian Renaissance vocabulary it is very easy to insert oneself into the
action. 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. This is a reprint of the 1947 Little Brown first
edition. Made into a movie in 1950 with Tyrone Power as Orsini and Orson Wells
as Borgia.
Dust jacket is price-intact at $32.00 and protected in mylar.