The book begins with the chivalric and splendour-loving house of Este, tracing the birth and upbringing of Beatrice d'Este within the cultured court of Ferrara. The narrative explores the complex political maneuverings of North Italy during the fifteenth century, focusing on the shifting alliances between Milan, Venice, Ferrara, and Naples. The author details the early betrothal of Beatrice to Lodovico Sforza, known as Il Moro, and provides a vivid portrait of Lodovico's rise to power as the regent of Milan. The book examines Lodovico's complex character, challenging traditional accounts by highlighting his patronage of arts and letters, his administrative skill, and his relationships with luminaries like Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante.
The narrative then shifts to the magnificent wedding festivities that finally united Beatrice and Lodovico at Pavia in 1491. The daily life of the young duchess at the court of Milan is described through contemporary letters and documents, illustrating her passion for horsemanship, hunting, and poetry, as well as her warm relationship with her sister Isabella d'Este. The author explores the intellectual and artistic revival of Lombardy under the Moro's rule, detailing the expansion of the University of Pavia, the decoration of the Castello, and the construction of the Certosa. Finally, the book hints at the political storms gathering on the horizon, as French ambitions in Italy begin to threaten the stability of the Sforza dynasty.
