| The Prince: Translated by N. H. Thomson with Preface by Luigi Ricci and Biographical Sketch by Herbert Butterfield (Aziloth Books) Contributor(s): Machiavelli, Niccolò (Author) |
|
 |
ISBN: 1911405802 ISBN-13: 9781911405801 Publisher: Aziloth Books OUR PRICE: $7.79 Product Type: Paperback Published: November 2018 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Political Science | History & Theory - General - History | Europe - Italy - History | Europe - Renaissance |
| Dewey: 320.1 |
| Lexile Measure: 1430 |
| Physical Information: 0.18" H x 6" W x 9" (0.28 lbs) 88 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - Italy |
| Accelerated Reader Info |
| Quiz #: 167222 Reading Level: 9.3 Interest Level: Upper Grades Point Value: 7.0 |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: As a manual on realpolitik, this sixteenth-century work has provoked more heated debates than any other political treatise. While it rejects lofty ideals, it nonetheless derives valuable insights from the author's first-hand experience as a respected envoy of Florence. Italy in the renaissance period was a battleground of warring factions, both within states and without, so successful governance was no easy task. Niccol Machiavelli examines how princedoms in Renaissance Italy can be effectively governed and maintained. This he does by noting the "...actions of great men, acquired in the course of (his) long experience of modern affairs and a continual study of antiquity." Arguing from such empirical evidence, he shows what works to achieve stable control, and what does not. Harsh measures are sometimes necessary but contrary to a common misconception held by many of his critics, he warns against ignoring the welfare and goodwill of the populace. Indeed, some commentators feel Machiavelli was unjustly maligned, pointing out that here was a man who was unremitting in his efforts to secure a good and popular government for his native Florence, and who wanted Italy's honour and pride restored. It was to these ends that he wrote The Prince. |
Contributor Bio(s): Machiavelli, Niccolo: - Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) Niccolò Machiavelli was born at Florence on 3rd May 1469. He was the second son of Bernardo di Nicolo Machiavelli, a lawyer of some repute, and of Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli, his wife. Both parents were members of the old Florentine nobility. His life falls naturally into three periods, each of which singularly enough constitutes a distinct and important era in the history of Florence. His youth was concurrent with the greatness of Florence as an Italian power under the guidance of Lorenzo de' Medici, Il Magnifico. The downfall of the Medici in Florence occurred in 1494, in which year Machiavelli entered the public service. During his official career Florence was free under the government of a Republic, which lasted until 1512, when the Medici returned to power, and Machiavelli lost his office. The Medici again ruled Florence from 1512 until 1527, when they were once more driven out. This was the period of Machiavelli's literary activity and increasing influence; but he died, within a few weeks of the expulsion of the Medici, on 22nd June 1527, in his fifty-eighth year, without having regained office. Herbert Butterfield, 1908 edition of The Prince |