I HAVE READ MOST OF MANCHESTER'S WORKS AND FOUND THIS ONE TO ENTERTAINING READING BUT HARDLY SCHOLARLY. THE SEX LIVES OF POPES, CARDINALS AND NUNS WOULD MAKE A GOOD PLAYBOY SHORT. IN FACT AT TIMES THE BOOK SEEMS LIKE AN ANTI CATHOLIC POLEMIC. IF YOU NEED TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE ERA GO BACK TO HUIZINGA AND TAKE A TRIP TO FLORENCE. IF YOU WANT A BOOK TO TAKE ON VACATION THIS ONES OK