I have wanted to read one of Hibbert's histories for some time, in part because they are often described as highly readable. Interested in the history of the Borgias, one of Spain's notable families, I chose this title. It is Hibbert's last book, published in the same year as his death at the age of 84. 
 I learned a lot and discovered much more than I expected to find, not being aware previously that the Borgia family's most notable history was centered in Italy and related to their connections to the Catholic Church. I was very disappointed, though, at the dry recitation of facts with no narrative whatsoever. It made for a less-than-enjoyable reading experience.