On Niccolo Machiavelli: The Bonds of Politics

Niccolò Machiavelli is a fascinating figure who has been characterized as a friend of tyrants, a republican loyal to Florences free institutions, the father of political realism, a revolutionary populist, a calculating rationalist, a Renaissance humanist, a prophet of Italian unification, a theorist of mixed government, a forerunner to authoritarianism, and the master of the dark arts of intrigue. This book provides a fresh and engaging introduction to his life and works, highlighting his close attention to social and emotional bonds, opposition to oligarchy, awareness of the economic side of power dynamics, and preference for history over philosophy as a guide for leaders. It recovers the excitement Machiavelli roused in his first readers for a twenty-first-century audience, capturing his capacity to provoke with unconventional ideas and startling insights.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 17 October 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Niccolò Machiavelli, a renowned figure who passed away five hundred years ago, continues to be the subject of diverse and often conflicting characterizations. Was he a loyal friend of tyrants? A staunch republican who championed the free institutions of Florence? The father of political realism? A revolutionary populist? A calculating rationalist? A Renaissance humanist? A prophet of Italian unification? A theorist of mixed government? A forerunner to authoritarianism? The master of the dark arts of intrigue?

This captivating book offers a fresh and insightful introduction to Machiavelli's life and works, shedding new light on his originality and relevance. Gabriele Pedullà, a leading Italian expert and acclaimed writer, provides fresh readings of Machiavelli's most famous writings, such as "The Prince" and "The Discourses on Livy," as well as lesser-known texts. What emerges from Pedullà's portrayal of Machiavelli is a nuanced and multifaceted individual who was deeply attuned to the social and emotional bonds of his time, fiercely opposed to oligarchy, acutely aware of the economic dimensions of power dynamics, and strongly inclined toward history as a guide for leaders.

This book seeks to reclaim the excitement that Machiavelli roused in his first readers when he was published in the early sixteenth century. It captures his ability to provoke and engage, both then and now, with unconventional ideas and startling insights. By delving into the complexities of Machiavelli's thought, this book provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of political power, governance, and human nature.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 138 x 217 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231205559