Machiavelli: His Life and Times

Niccolò Machiavelli was a notorious fiend, but Alexander Lee's biography reveals the man behind the myth, showing him to be sympathetic and prone to political missteps, professional failures, and personal dramas. It uncovers hitherto unobserved connections between his life and thought and takes the reader into his world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 784 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Niccolò Machiavelli, a renowned figure often portrayed as a notorious fiend and generally detested, holds a peculiar fascination in the collective consciousness due to his most renowned work, The Prince. However, it is crucial to question whether Machiavelli's reputation truly reflects his character. Was he truly as sinister as commonly believed, or could he be perceived as a more sympathetic individual, grappling with political missteps, professional failures, and personal dramas?

In his captivating biography, Alexander Lee endeavors to unravel the man behind the myth, tracing Machiavelli's journey from his humble beginnings to his final days. The book delves into the various aspects of Machiavelli's life, encompassing his early years marked by poverty and the abuse he endured at the hands of a teacher. It explores his marriage, his numerous affairs with both men and women, and his remarkable political achievements. However, it is ultimately his downfall and exile that form the climax of Lee's narrative.

Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Lee uncovers hitherto unseen connections between Machiavelli's life and thought. He sheds light on the world that shaped him, from the grand halls of Renaissance Florence to the court of the Borgia pope, Alexander VI. The reader is transported to the dungeons of the Stinche prison, where Machiavelli spent time, and to the Rucellai gardens, where he began work on some of his most significant works.

Lee's biography is not merely a portrait of an age but also a profound exploration of a uniquely engaging man. It delves into Machiavelli's political philosophy, his views on power, and his understanding of human nature. The book offers a comprehensive understanding of Machiavelli's works, including The Prince, The Discourses, and The Art of War. Lee's writing is gripping, and his definitive biography takes the reader into Machiavelli's world and his work in a way that has never been done before.

In conclusion, Niccolò Machiavelli's biography by Alexander Lee is a monumental achievement that provides a fresh perspective on the renowned philosopher. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Lee uncovers the man behind the myth, revealing a complex individual grappling with political missteps, professional failures, and personal dramas. The book offers a comprehensive understanding of Machiavelli's life and thought, shedding light on the world that shaped him and his profound contributions to political philosophy. Lee's gripping and definitive biography takes the reader into Machiavelli's world, offering a deeper appreciation of his work and his enduring legacy.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 131 x 196 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447275008