The Borgias is a history of Roderigo Borgia's corrupt rise to power, purchasing the office of pope and assuming the name of Alexander VI. During his eleven-year reign, he and his family were responsible for countless acts of murder, theft, and betrayal; today the name of Borgia has become almost synonymous with poisoning one's guests. [Celebrated Crimes is an 8-volume collection of 18 essays by Alexandre Dumas. Each essay is based upon historical facts.]