This book is a comprehensive guide to the Orsini family from its origins in the 1st century and into the 21st century. Two thousand years is far too much time to cover in two volumes, or even ten. However, this two-volume bookset manages to highlight most of the major events that surrounded the family during this period. Brief historical exposés parallel the Orsini legend to add a sense of perspective as to how their history meshed with that of the Roman world. Hundreds of sources, including books, websites, and Italian church and state archives were researched over a period of five years to obtain the information presented in these two volumes. This information is structured as shown below. Volume I: Origins, Lines, & Estates Part 1 - Introduction to the Orsini Family Part 2 - Origins of the Orsini Part 3 - Orsini Family Lines Part 4 - Lands and Estates of the Orsini Volume II: Biographies and Genealogy Part 5 - Notable Orsini Family Members Part 6 - Biographies of Prominent Orsini Part 7 - Genealogies of Orsini Family Lines