A colorful, comprehensive, and authoritative account of Machiavelli's life and thought

This is a colorful, comprehensive, and authoritative introduction to the life and work of the Florentine statesman, writer, and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527). Corrado Vivanti, who was one of the world’s leading Machiavelli scholars, provides an unparalleled intellectual biography that demonstrates the close connections between Machiavelli’s thought and his changing fortunes during the tumultuous Florentine republic and his subsequent exile. Vivanti’s concise account covers not only Machiavelli’s most famous works—The Prince, The Discourses, The Florentine Histories, and The Art of War—but also his letters, poetry, and comic dramas. While setting Machiavelli’s life against a dramatic backdrop of war, crisis, and diplomatic intrigue, the book also paints a vivid human portrait of the man.

About the Author

Corrado Vivanti (1928–2012) taught history at the universities of Rome, Turin, and Perugia, and was the editor of the standard edition of the complete works of Machiavelli.

Review

"Sensible and useful. . . . [Vivanti] sets forth the greatness of Machiavelli, not as a figure of his time, the Renaissance, but as a founder of modernity."—Harvey C. Mansfield, Wall Street Journal

"A fascinating, concise guide to Machiavelli's life and work."—Joanna Kavenna, The Spectator

"[A] learned intellectual biography."—Michael Ignatieff, The Atlantic

"Excellent, and accessible to anyone interested in finding out more about Machiavelli."—Jonathan Powell, Prospect

"Informative and . . . level-headed."—Keith Miller, The Telegraph