The "crimes" of the Borgias are legend; the name of the noted and notorious Florentine family has become a synonym for intrigue and violence, and yet the Borgias have not been without stanch defenders in history. The Cenci are nearly as ill-famed. The beautiful Beatrice Cenci -- celebrated in the painting of Guido, the sixteenth century romance of Guerrazi, and the poetic tragedy of Shelley, not to mention numerous succeeding works inspired by her hapless fate -- will always remain a shadowy figure and one of infinite pathos.(Vol. I of VIII)