The Essential Writings of Machiavelli (Modern Library Classics)

An exceptional collection of works and letters by Machiavelli. I haven't enjoyed something so intelligently written since I read works by Cicero. 'The Prince' probably his most famous work was brilliant, but I particularly enjoyed his 'Discourses' and 'Florentine Histories'. The letters to friends and colleagues were an interesting look into his lighter side of character which I also enjoyed. I cannot over state what an amazingly analytical and perceptive mind he had. He was a true genius I think with an uncanny understanding of human nature and behavior. I can't help but be impressed with his extensive knowledge of history that he used time and again for reference and comparison. I've never read any of Livy's histories before, but now I think it will be a must. I'm very happy to have made this purchase and know I will reference selections from it for years to come.

This is an excellent edition of the works of Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527 CE) published by Modern Library in 2007. It includes not only a complete translation of his most famous work, "The Prince", but large sections of his less famous "Discourses" and "Florentine Histories." It also provides a good selection of his essays and papers. The quality of the translation work appears quite good and done with a good deal of care. The notes provided are quite helpful as well. Machiavelli is a name that some consider synonymous with guile, cynicism, and tyranny. In point of fact he was a romantic who was an admirer of the early Roman Republic. He was a supporter of republican principles and a Florentine patriot his entire life. After Lorenzo de Medici overthrew the Florentine Republic in 1513 (CE), he exiled Machiavelli to his estates outside of Florence. Such was Machiavelli's love for his city that he was willing to ignore his republican principals (at least temporarily) and join the Medici administration of the city. "The Prince" his most famous work and the principal source of his reputation as a cynic and ruthless politician was written to ingratiate him with Lorenzo. Now before adding `hypocrite' to the other characterizations of Machiavelli, one should understand that the book contained the only gift that he could afford to offer Lorenzo, his knowledge based on his analysis of history. Machiavelli was a student of the history of Roman Republic and Empire. He was also a close observer of human behavior both in the past and in his contemporary Renaissance Italy. If his analysis of history and motivation appears cynical, it was also in tune with his times and reflected contemporary attitudes. His interpretation of events and analysis of behavior represent a serious and honest effort to understand a world that was changing even as he wrote this unique book. In the "Discourses" and his "Art of War" Machiavelli reveals his true republican feelings and distress at the use of Italy as a battle ground by the Holy Roman Empire, France, the Pope, and various home grown Italian tyrants. The other works presented in this edition show him to be a thoughtful and patriotic man.

This book is worth the price for its translation of The Prince alone. Think of it as The Prince plus 400 free pages of content. This is one of the most readable books I have ever read which is a testament to Constantine as many older books, like Rhetoric or Meditations, despite being English, can be clunky. The content is fascinating, Machiavelli's use of Greek and Roman history to teach is likely as relevant now as it was then. Just a good book all around.

I firmly believe that most of Machiavelli's works were written with the goal of bettering the position of his beloved Florence in the horribly complex political and cultural milieu in which he was forced to operate, and knew extremely well from his diplomacy on behalf of Florence. Europe was changing more than it ever had. The new world was opening up. The Renaissance was in its infancy, but starting to gather momentum. What he did was combine the works of Livy with his own observations, which resulted in The Prince. I believe The Prince was written in hopes of obtaining some sort of position with the Medici, and thereby have some sort of influence, even if only minimal, on the diplomatic and political conduct of Florence, in hopes of influencing things to her benefit. He was the first to dispassionately list the real, sometimes loathsome things even a good ruler was at times forced to resort to in order to secure long term benefit to his political entity. He also said it was better to have a government that was not always forced to resort to these things by dint of its citizens being satisfied with their ruler. A republic was the most stable in his mind. Machiavelli was the first real political theorist, and if a wise ruler had practiced some of what Machiavelli had concluded, maybe Italy and Florence might not have had the subsequent three hundred years or so of political turmoil and domination by others.

This book contains parts from the Florentine Histories, which is a great help. It provides the backdrop of Prince. I only wish it had a more detailed biography of Machiavelli.

Book received as per order. A fine overview of Machiavelli's major and minor writings.

I've heard a lot about Machvelli, mostly not very good but this book is warts and all. A good history. If you've read the Prince you'll love this

It says new but it is in horrible condition

A wonderful translation of the greatest thinker on politics that ever lived. Machiavelli was the master of the political, but - as this book shows - also a first rate playwright. Excellent