A really interesting and good read about Olimpia Maidachini who was the widow sister in law of Pope Innocent X, elected in 1644. She was nearly forced into a convent by her father but was able to marry into a wealthy family and after having a couple children, her husband died. She had the inheritance but to keep it had to marry again and did so into a poor noble family. She was very smart & intelligent about business and was able to increase their wealth. Her husband again died but now she was setup to where she didn't have to marry and could keep the wealth. Her brother in law was a smart priest but she helped get him his cardinal appointment and the from wheeling & dealing to be Pope. The backdoor happenings and the ruthless stealing from the church was eye opening, I had heard that it happened but this book does a great job of really spelling out what was happening. No wonder the Reformation happened. Surprised the church has survived through this. She then became the person people had to go through to get anything done through the Pope or the Vatican, she was the real power broker of the time. A really good read.
I have had this book for a few years but just hadn't read it till now. There are still WL for it so at some point I will post it & mail it on.
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