The tigress of Forlì : Renaissance Italy's most courageous and notorious countess, Caterina Riario Sforza de' Medici

The astonishing life of a long-misunderstood Renaissance virago Wife, mother, leader, warrior. Caterina Riario Sforza was one of the most prominent women in Renaissance Italy—and one of the most vilified. In this glittering biography, Elizabeth Lev reexamines her extraordinary life and accomplishments. Raised in the court of Milan and wed at age ten to the pope's corrupt nephew, Caterina was ensnared in Italy's political intrigues early in life. After turbulent years in Rome's papal court, she moved to the Romagnol province of Forlì. Following her husband's assassination, she ruled Italy's crossroads with iron will, martial strength, political savvy—and an icon's fashion sense. In finally losing her lands to the Borgia family, she put up a resistance that inspired all of Europe and set the stage for her progeny—including Cosimo de' Medici—to follow her example to greatness. A rich evocation the Renaissance, The Tigress of Forlì reveals... ϡ쯦랠 A strategist to match Machiavelli; a warrior who stood toe to toe with the Borgias; a wife whose three marriages would end in bloodshed and heartbreak; and a mother determined to maintain her family’s honor, Caterina Riario Sforza de’ Medici was a true Renaissance celebrity, beloved and vilified in equal measure. In this dazzling biography, Elizabeth Lev illuminates her extraordinary life and accomplishments. Raised in the court of Milan and wed at age ten to the pope’s corrupt nephew, Caterina was ensnared in Italy’s political intrigues early in life. After turbulent years in Rome’s papal court, she moved to the Romagnol province of Forlì. Following her husband’s assassination, she ruled Italy’s crossroads with iron will, martial strength, political savvy, and an icon’s fashion sense. In finally losing her lands to the Borgia family, she put up a resistance that inspired all of Europe and set the stage for her progeny—including Cosimo de’ Medici—to follow her example to greatness. A rich evocation of Renaissance life, The Tigress of Forlì reveals Caterina Riario Sforza as a brilliant and fearless ruler, and a tragic but unbowed figure. The astonishing life of a long-misunderstood Renaissance virago. Wife, mother, leader, warrior. Caterina Riario Sforza was one of the most prominent women in Renaissance Italyand one of the most vilified. In this glittering biography, Elizabeth Lev reexamines her extraordinary life and accomplishments. Raised in the court of Milan and wed at age ten to the popes corrupt nephew, Caterina was ensnared in Italys political intrigues early in life. After turbulent years in Romes papal court, she moved to the Romagnol province of Forl. Following her husbands assassination, she ruled Italys crossroads with iron will, martial strength, political savvyand an icons fashion sense. In finally losing her lands to the Borgia family, she put up a resistance that inspired all of Europe and set the stage for her progenyincluding Cosimo de Medicito follow her example to greatness. A rich evocation the Renaissance, The Tigress of Forl reveals Caterina Riario Sforza as a brilliant and fearless ruler, and a tragic but unbowed figure. Wife, mother, leader, warrior. Caterina Riario Sforza was one of the most prominent women in Renaissance Italy--and one of the most vilified. In this glittering biography, Elizabeth Lev reexamines her extraordinary life and accomplishments. Raised in the court of Milan and wed at age ten to the pope's corrupt nephew, Caterina was ensnared in Italy's political intrigues early in life. After turbulent years in Rome's papal court, she moved to the Romagnol province of Forlì. Following her husband's assassination, she ruled Italy's crossroads with iron will, martial strength, political savvy--and an icon's fashion sense. In finally losing her lands to the Borgia family, she put up a resistance that inspired all of Europe and set the stage for her progeny--including Cosimo de' Medici--to follow her example to greatness.--From publisher description Prologue: Christmas Cannons -- The Education Of An Amazon -- Childhood's End -- The Countess-in-waiting -- Triumphal Parade To Rome -- Courtiers And Conspiracies -- The Riario Dynasty -- The Fairest In The Realm -- The Birth Of Athena -- The Lean Years -- Center Stage -- The Retort At Ravaldino -- The Spoils Of War -- Fanning The Flames -- Blinded By Love -- Avenging Fury -- Intrigue And Invasion -- Italy's Idol -- The Long Night Of Castel Sant' Angelo -- Sleep After Toil -- Epilogue: Mantua 1526. Elizabeth Lev. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.