"Bernhardt’s fascinating and deeply researched study of Genevra Sforza, ‘first lady’ of fifteenth-century Bologna, rescues its subject from a centuries-old tradition of vilification and makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the gendered role of courtly women and the vital political role of marriage alliance in Renaissance Italian society.” - Sarah Rubin Blanshei "No woman navigated power more adroitly than Ginevra Sforza Bentivoglio. Bernhardt’s deeply-researched and finely-nuanced portrait shows how she took some very weak cards and played a very strong game. While others had formal titles, fawning courtiers, or family ties, GSB had keen instincts about power and survival. Her skills in managing both nearly created a Renaissance dynasty, and generated a lasting 'black legend' of Machiavellian intrigue that is ripped away in this study." - Nicholas Terpstra