Machiavelli: On Politics and Power

Machiavellis most famous works of political philosophy, such as The Prince and Discourses on Livy, are presented in a new edition by Restless Classics, with an introduction by Jon Lee Anderson. The Prince is a practical guide for ruling or a satirical guide on how not to rule, while Discourses on Livy offers an analysis of ancient Roman history that supports Machiavellis claims. Machiavellis hard-line outlook on power, politics, war, governance, and ethics has frightening parallels to the current trend toward authoritarianism in global politics, making this book essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the psychology and methods of power-hungry leaders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2021
Publisher: Regan Arts

Restless Classics proudly presents a groundbreaking new edition of Machiavelli's most influential works of political philosophy, encompassing his renowned masterpiece, The Prince, and selections from his renowned Discourses on Livy. This edition, introduced by the esteemed New Yorker writer and biographer of Che Guevara, Jon Lee Anderson, offers a fresh perspective on Machiavelli's timeless insights.

Few authors attain such a level of notoriety that their name becomes synonymous with a particular trait or approach. A "Machiavellian" politician, therefore, goes beyond mere cunning; it encompasses a tyrant who is utterly captivated by the immense power at their disposal. In the contemporary world, we witness the rise of numerous Machiavellian politicians, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Mohammed bin Salman, Viktor Orbán, Jair Bolsonaro, and many others. Machiavelli's masterpieces, The Prince and Discourses on Livy, are both timely and enduring, as they shed light on the dynamics of power and governance that continue to shape our world.

Widely regarded as a foundational work of modern political philosophy, The Prince can be interpreted as a practical guide for ruling or as a satirical reflection on the pitfalls of governance. Machiavelli begins the book with a letter addressed to Lorenzo de Medici, the infamous ruler of Florence, where he both admonishes and praises him for his leadership. The sister volume, Discourses on Livy, provides an insightful analysis of ancient Roman history that supports Machiavelli's arguments by highlighting the merits of a republic.

As Jon Lee Anderson delves into his incisive introduction, he explores the striking parallels between Machiavelli's hard-line outlook on power, politics, war, governance, and ethics and the current trend toward authoritarianism in global politics. Machiavelli: On Politics and Power emerges as an essential reading for anyone seeking to comprehend the psychology and methods of power-hungry leaders, both in the past and in the present. By delving into Machiavelli's profound insights, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of human nature, the dynamics of power, and the challenges of governance in an ever-evolving world.

Dimension: 209 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781632062567