Originally from Umbria, the Cesi family has become famous for having given birth to Federico, naturalist scientist and founder of the famous Accademia dei Lincei.

THE MEN OF THE CESI FAMILY

The text gives many details of the story of the feud of Acquasparta today in the province of Terni,  through the biography of various noble characters beginning with the family founder, Angelo di Pietro, then following with Giangiacomo, brother of cardinals Paolo Emilio and Federico, illustrious benefactors but still with Massimiliano Ottavbio, bishop of Narni and Bartolomeo, uncle cardinal and educator at the Linceo, whose ecclesiastical career was helped along by four different popes.

THE WOMEN OF THE CESI FAMILY

Special attention is given to the female figures, usually forgotten by official history, who are analyzed in their precise cultural positions. The life of Suor Firmina Cesi is given in great detail. She ended her life as a saint; Suor Claudia, a niece whose aunt was prioress of the Narni monastery; Isabella Liviani, the first Signora of the feud who lived in and beautified the palazzo of Acquasparta; and finally Suor Porzia, a quiet character who has almost been forgotten, in contrast to her sister, Suor Caterina, an energetic and bold woman who got her own way  not only in the family, but as well with two popes.

Among all of them, two girls have left  indelible traces: Artemisia Colonna and Isabella Salviati,who were both wives of Federico  il Linceo, they are described in their daily life. The first is remembered as an adolescent in her splendid wedding and in her short life as wife. The second as a young mother and faithful companion who together with il Linceo divided the joys and sorrows of a family destined to a sad and premature end.

These and other protagonists are described with a simple and easy language, that enthuses the reader with the curiosity to know them.

By the same author for Edizioni Archeoares, La Famiglia Farnese and I nobili d’Aquino.