Prince of Foxes

'Prince of Foxes' by Samuel Shellabarger is the popular historical adventure novel about Andrea Orsini, a peasant masquerading as a nobleman who serves as a secret agent for the ruthless Cesare Borgia in Renaissance Italy. The story details Orsini's journey from a cynical spy to a man of honor when he chooses to rebel against the Borgia family to save an independent city-state. Set in Italy around 1500, meticulously researched, bringing the politics, settings, and culture of Renaissance Italy to life, this tale tells of the country split into warring city-states. Cesare Borgia wants to conquer them all. He sends Andrea Orsini on dangerous diplomatic missions. His task is to betray an elderly ruler. Instead, Andrea falls for the ruler's wife. He chooses to defend the city's freedom. He faces brutal retaliation from his former master. Key Themes include honor versus ambition: choosing moral integrity over power, and freedom over tyranny. Identity and reinvention: escaping low birth through pure talent.