This book traces the history of the Frangipanis, an Italian family, from the first days of the ancient Roman Republic through their powerful influence during the Middle Ages until the present day. The family's story starts with the Ancii, an ancient and prominent Roman plebeian clan. It continues with the tale of Flavius, the "bread breaker" who gave food to the poor and gave the family its surname. The main tale of the Frangipanis is how they were a powerful Medieval Roman family who were involved in the complex politics of Italy from 1000 to 1500. They were continuing playing the German Holy Roman Empire, the French, the Normans and the Papacy against one another for their own benefit. They did so by ruling with mob-like tactics from a fortress in the city that included the Colosseum. There was a nice side of the family, too. Included is the tale of St. Ottone, the family's saint and Jacoba, a close friend of St. Francis of Assisi. The books tells of the one Frangipani who became pope, Benedict XIII and of Muzio whose actions made family's name associated with a flower and dessert. Finally, this book concludes with the modern members of the family and where the famous family's descendants live throughout the world. For the story of the Frangipanis is the story of Italy from ancient times until today. It is full of wonderful tales of the brave and the weak, those on the right side of history and the wrong, and of nobles and the common men and women. This books' original intent was for the extended family throughout the world but it can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the history of this fascinating part and time of the world.