Most Popular Books by Niccolo Machiavelli

If any book could be called legendary, surely it is this one. Its author, Italian diplomat and philosopher NICCOL MACHIAVELLI (1469-1527) considered it his greatest work. Indeed, his thoughts on politics, as laid out so famously in this brief but profound work, have become so synonymous with him that his name has become an adjective: Machiavellian. How is political power achieved? How is it maintained? Though Machiavelli states explicitly that he is not discussing \"Republics\" here, only \"Princedoms,\" this coldly rational guidebook to taking control and holding onto it contains such universal insights into human nature and the structure of human systems that his \"advice\" serves equally well in almost any power structure. With applications in such diverse realms as business, the military, even role-playing games, Machiavelli''s rules for ruling continue to be required reading for students of politics, philosophy, and ethics.

\"Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.\" -Nicolò Machiavelli ; The Prince The Prince is a 16th-century political treatise by the Italian diplomat and political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli. The Prince is sometimes claimed to be one of the first works of modern philosophy, especially modern political philosophy, in which the \"effectual\" truth is taken to be more important than any abstract ideal. It is also notable for being in direct conflict with the dominant Catholic and scholastic doctrines of the time, particularly those concerning politics and ethics. Although it is relatively short, the treatise is the most remembered of Machiavelli''s works and the one most responsible for bringing the word \"Machiavellian\" into usage as a pejorative. It even contributed to the modern negative connotations of the words \"politics\" and \"politician\" in western countries. A True Classic that Belongs on Every Bookshelf!

FINALIST--2008 PEN TRANSLATION PRIZE In The Essential Writings of Machiavelli, Peter Constantine has assembled a comprehensive collection that shows the true depth and breadth of a great Renaissance thinker. Refreshingly accessible, these superb new translations are faithful to Machiavelli’s original, beautifully crafted writings. The volume features essays that appear in English for the first time, such as “A Caution to the Medici” and “The Persecution of Africa.” Also included are complete versions of the political treatise, The Prince, the comic satire The Mandrake, The Life of Castruccio Castracani, and the classic story “Belfagor”, along with selections from The Discourses, The Art of War, and Florentine Histories. Augmented with useful features–vital and concise annotations and cross-references–this unique compendium is certain to become the standard one-volume reference to this influential, versatile, and ever timely writer. “Machiavelli''s stress on political necessity rather than moral perfection helped inspire the Renaissance by renewing links with Thucydides and other classical thinkers. This new collection provides deeper insight into Machiavelli’s personality as a writer, thus broadening our understanding of him.” –Robert D. Kaplan, author of Warrior Politics: Why Leadership Demands a Pagan Ethos “Constantine’s selection is not only intelligent; his translations are astonishingly good. Thoughtfully introduced by Albert Russell Ascoli, this edition belongs in everyone’s library.” –John Jeffries Martin, professor and chair, department of history, Trinity University “If one were to assign a single edition of Machiavelli''s works, this most certainly would be it.” –John P. McCormick, professor, department of political science, University of Chicago

Of all Machiavelli''s works The Prince is undoubtedly the greatest; and a new English edition of it is likely to be welcome to all those who have not the advantage of reading it in the classical Italian original. It is customary for those who wish to gain the favour of a prince to endeavour to do so by offering him gifts of those things which they hold most precious, or in which they know him to take especial delight. In this way princes are often presented with horses, arms, cloth of gold, gems, and such-like ornaments worthy of their grandeur. In my desire, however, to offer to your Highness some humble testimony of my devotion, I have been unable to find among my possessions anything which I hold so dear or esteem so highly as that knowledge of the deeds of great men which I have acquired through a long experience of modern events and a constant study of the past. The results of my long observations and reflections are recorded in the little volume which I now offer to Your Highness: and although I deem this work unworthy of Your Highness''s notice, yet my confidence in your humanity assures me that you will accept it, knowing that it is not in my power to offer you a greater gift than that of enabling you to understand in the shortest possible time all those things which I have learnt through danger and suffering in the course of many years. Reprint of the great work original published in english language in 1921.

With \"The Prince\

Machiavelli needs to be looked at as he really was. Hence: Can Machiavelli, who makes the following observations, be Machiavellian as we understand the disparaging term? 1. So it is that to know the nature of a people, one need be a Prince; to know the nature of a Prince, one need to be of the people. 2. If a Prince is not given to vices that make him hated, it is unsusal for his subjects to show their affection for him. 3. Opportunity made Moses, Cyrus, Romulus, Theseus, and others; their virtue domi-nated the opportunity, making their homelands noble and happy. Armed prophets win; the disarmed lose. 4. Without faith and religion, man achieves power but not glory. 5. Prominent citizens want to command and oppress; the populace only wants to be free of oppression. 6. A Prince needs a friendly populace; otherwise in diversity there is no hope. 7. A Prince, who rules as a man of valor, avoids disasters, 8. Nations based on mercenary forces will never be solid or secure. 9. Mercenaries are dangerous because of their cowardice 10. There are two ways to fight: one with laws, the other with force. The first is rightly man''s way; the second, the way of beasts.Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli was an Italian political philosopher, musician, poet, and playwright. He is a figure of the Italian Renaissance and a central figure of its political component, most widely known for his treatises on realist political theory (The Prince) on the one hand and republicanism (Discourses on Livy) on the other.

Professor Skinner presents a lucid analysis of Machiavelli''s text as a response to the world of Florentine politics.

A masterpiece of strategy and politics from the 16th century. Machiavelli explains core universal concepts about power and leadership that have been applied by military officers, successful businessmen, and diplomats worldwide for centuries. This is the official edition of Machiavelli''s The Prince complete including the censored parts.

One of the most influential books on statecraft ever written, Niccolò Machiavelli''s 1532 treatise The Prince invented modern political philosophy and gave the world the term ''Machiavellian.'' It was famously read by Spain''s King Charles V and King Henry VIII of England and has been influential on world leaders for five centuries. The short but powerful guide outlines a pragmatic path for a prince to be successful, a formula for political victory that is direct and unemotional. The methodology has been called cold and cynical and yet The Prince captures a great deal of truth about human psychology.

Niccolo Machiavelli wrote The Prince, originally titled De Principatibus (About Principalities), in 1513, detailing how a prince could gain and sustain ruling power. It is both a philosophical study in autocracy and a guide in the pursuit of power, especially implying that the ends justify the means in maintaining a stable state for the governed. Both praised for its shrewdness and reviled for its legendary ruthlessness, The Prince is a milestone in philosophical thought and essential reading.

Machiavelli needs to be looked at as he really was. Hence: Can Machiavelli, who makes the following observations, be Machiavellian as we understand the disparaging term? 1. So it is that to know the nature of a people, one need be a Prince; to know the nature of a Prince, one need to be of the people. 2. If a Prince is not given to vices that make him hated, it is unsusal for his subjects to show their affection for him. 3. Opportunity made Moses, Cyrus, Romulus, Theseus, and others; their virtue domi-nated the opportunity, making their homelands noble and happy. Armed prophets win; the disarmed lose. 4. Without faith and religion, man achieves power but not glory. 5. Prominent citizens want to command and oppress; the populace only wants to be free of oppression. 6. A Prince needs a friendly populace; otherwise in diversity there is no hope. 7. A Prince, who rules as a man of valor, avoids disasters, 8. Nations based on mercenary forces will never be solid or secure. 9. Mercenaries are dangerous because of their cowardice 10. There are two ways to fight: one with laws, the other with force. The first is rightly man''s way; the second, the way of beasts.

This deluxe clothbound edition presents Machiavelli''s classic work on the philosophy of power. Published posthumously in 1532, Machiavelli''s treatise on the manipulation and exercise of power advocated a ruthless realpolitik, sparking a debate about the morality of statesmanship that is still very much alive today. His shrewd text presents strategies that some of history''s greatest - and most infamous - rulers have borrowed to achieve their goals. The Prince continues to show enduring popularity among anyone interested in the theory of leadership and power. This compact clothbound edition features silver embossing on the cover, gold-gilded page edges and illustrations inside, making a wonderful gift. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Ornate Classics are beautifully bound gifts editions of iconic literary works across history. These compact, foil-embossed hardbacks are richly illustrated and printed using deluxe ivory paper.

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ++++ The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to ensure edition identification: ++++ Le Prince NiccolO Machiavelli, C. Ferrari Dubuisson, 1865

Niccolo Machiavelli: The Prince, written by legendary author Niccolo Machiavelli is widely considered to be one of the greatest books of all time. This great classic will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, Niccolo Machiavelli: The Prince is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by Niccolo Machiavelli is highly recommended. Published by Classic Books International and beautifully produced, Niccolo Machiavelli: The Prince would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone''s personal library.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Machiavelli''s Highly Influential Treatise on Political Power This edition of Machiavelli''s masterpiece is carefully edited and formatted to provide you with the best reading experience. We gave the original content of the book a fresh look and design that matches the expectations of the modern reader. This edition also includes: A detailed author''s biography (as a final chapter) that takes you on a journey into the times and environments that shaped the writer''s life. ABOUT THE PRINCE The Prince is a 16th-century political treatise as an instruction guide for new princes and royals. The general theme of The Prince is of accepting that the aims of princes - such as glory and survival - can justify the use of immoral means to achieve those ends. The Prince is one of the first works of modern philosophy, especially modern political philosophy, in which the \"effectual\" truth is taken to be more important than any abstract ideal. It is also notable for being in direct conflict with the dominant Catholic and scholastic doctrines of the time, particularly those concerning politics and ethics. Enjoy!

The Prince (Italian: Il Principe) is a political treatise by the Italian diplomat, historian, and political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli. The Prince is sometimes claimed to be one of the first works of modern philosophy, especially modern political philosophy, in which the effective truth is taken to be more important than any abstract ideal. It was also in direct conflict with the dominant Catholic and scholastic doctrines of the time concerning how to consider politics and ethics. This treatise is the most remembered of Niccolò Machiavelli''s writings and also the work most responsible for bringing the word \"Machiavellian\" into wide usage as a pejorative term. Moreover, such has been its influence that it also helped in the transformation of the English term \"Old Nick\" as a substitute for \"devil,\" and even contributed to the modern negative connotations of the words \"politics\" and \"politician\" in western countries. Visit ladyvalkyrie.com for more Classics and Other titles and Collections of books! You can always find our latest catalog of books by searching for \"lady valkyrie\" in the books section of Amazon!

Instead of memorizing vocabulary words, work your way through an actual well-written novel. Even novices can follow along as each individual English paragraph is paired with the corresponding Italian paragraph. It won''t be an easy project, but you''ll learn a lot!

The Prince by Machiavelli - complete and unabridged with footnotes.

As I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is deadsince every reason and supervision for adulation is lacking, I am not apprehensive inpraising our own Cosimo Ruccelai, whose name is never remembered by me without tears, as I have recognized in him those parts which can be desired in a good friend amongfriends and in a citizen of his country. For I do not know what pertained to him more thanto spend himself willingly, not excepting that courage of his, for his friends, and I do notknow of any enterprise that dismayed him when he knew it was for the good of hiscountry. And I confess freely not to have met among so many men whom I have knownand worked with, a man in whom there was a mind more fired with great and magnificentthing

The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli, 2021 version.

\"It is not the well-being of individuals that makes cities great, but the well-being of the community\" Few figures in intellectual history have proved as notorious and ambiguous as Niccolò Machiavelli. But while his treatise The Prince made his name synonymous with autocratic ruthlessness and cynical manipulation, The Discourses (c.1517) shows a radically different outlook on the world of politics. In this carefully argued commentary on Livy''s history of republican Rome, Machiavelli proposed a system of government that would uphold civic freedom and security by instilling the virtues of active citizenship, and that would also encourage citizens to put the needs of the state above selfish, personal interests. Ambitious in scope, but also clear-eyed and pragmatic, The Discourses creates a modern theory of republic politics. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

The Prince There have been many political philosophies published throughout the time of literate man, but few have made such an impact in so few words as Niccolo Machiavelli s The Prince. This eminently quotable treatise on the nature of rulers is unsettling in that it does not merely discuss the specific political geography of 16th century Europe, a world comprised of kings and nobles who ruled absolutely; it has endured for nearly 500 years because it is an all-encompassing understanding of men in power, and the common traits, motives and struggles which have characterized leaders from Roman emperors to modern-day presidents.

This is a master plan for seizing and holding power. Astonishing in its candor, it remains a disturbingly realistic and prophetic work on what it takes to be a prince ... a king ... a president. When, in 1512, Machiavelli was removed from his post in his beloved Florence, he resolved to set down a treatise on leadership that was practical, not idealistic. In this book he envisioned the prince would be unencumbered by ordinary ethical and moral values; his prince would be man and beast, fox and lion.

LARGE PRINT EDITION, in english, featuring easy to read 18 point text size.The Prince is a 16th-century political treatise, by the Italian diplomat and political theorist Niccol� Machiavelli. Although it was written as if it were a traditional work in the mirrors for princes style, it is generally agreed that it was especially innovative. This is only partly because it was written in the vernacular Italian rather than Latin, a practice which had become increasingly popular since the publication of Dante''s Divine Comedy and other works of Renaissance literature.The descriptions within The Prince have the general theme of accepting that the aims of princes - such as glory and survival - can justify the use of immoral means to achieve those ends.

Reprint of the original.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Unabridged version of THE PRINCE, by Niccolo Machiavelli and translated by N. H. Thomson, offered here for chump change. From 1513, THE PRINCE is divided into chapters covering ruling power, be it in the office or across continents. Topics include power forms (mixed, heredity), power acquisition (with help, through criminal acts), and power aspects (bearing, flatters, secretaries). Read it. Learn from it. Use it. Contents DEDICATION 3 CHAPTER I: OF THE VARIOUS KINDS OF PRINCEDOM, AND OF THE WAYS IN WHICH THEY ARE ACQUIRED 3 CHAPTER II: OF HEREDITARY PRINCEDOMS 3 CHAPTER III: OF MIXED PRINCEDOMS 4 CHAPTER IV: WHY THE KINGDOM OF DARIUS, CONQUERED BY ALEXANDER, DID NOT, ON ALEXANDER''S DEATH, REBEL AGAINST HIS SUCCESSORS 7 CHAPTER V: HOW CITIES OR PROVINCES WHICH BEFORE THEIR ACQUISITION HAVE LIVED UNDER THEIR OWN LAWS ARE TO BE GOVERNED 8 CHAPTER VI: OF NEW PRINCEDOMS WHICH A PRINCE ACQUIRES WITH HIS OWN ARMS AND BY MERIT 9 CHAPTER VII: OF NEW PRINCEDOMS ACQUIRED BY THE AID OF OTHERS AND BY GOOD FORTUNE 11 CHAPTER VIII: OF THOSE WHO BY THEIR CRIMES COME TO BE PRINCES 14 CHAPTER IX: OF THE CIVIL PRINCEDOM 16 CHAPTER X: HOW THE STRENGTH OF ALL PRINCEDOMS SHOULD BE MEASURED 17 CHAPTER XI: OF ECCLESIASTICAL PRINCEDOMS 18 CHAPTER XII: HOW MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF SOLDIERS THERE ARE, AND OF MERCENARIES 19 CHAPTER XIII: OF AUXILIARY, MIXED, AND NATIONAL ARMS 21 CHAPTER XIV: OF THE DUTY OF A PRINCE IN RESPECT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS 23 CHAPTER XV: OF THE QUALITIES IN RESPECT OF WHICH MEN, AND MOST OF ALL PRINCES, ARE PRAISED OR BLAMED 24 CHAPTER XVI: OF LIBERALITY AND MISERLINESS 25 CHAPTER XVII: OF CRUELTY AND CLEMENCY, AND WHETHER IT IS BETTER TO BE LOVED OR FEARED 26 CHAPTER XVIII: HOW PRINCES SHOULD KEEP FAITH 27 CHAPTER XIX: THAT A PRINCE SHOULD SEEK TO ESCAPE CONTEMPT AND HATRED 28 CHAPTER XX: WHETHER FORTRESSES, AND CERTAIN OTHER EXPEDIENTS TO WHICH PRINCES OFTEN HAVE RECOURSE, ARE PROFITABLE OR HURTFUL 33 CHAPTER XXI: HOW A PRINCE SHOULD BEAR HIMSELF SO AS TO ACQUIRE REPUTATION 35 CHAPTER XXII: OF THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES 36 CHAPTER XXIII: THAT FLATTERERS SHOULD BE SHUNNED 37 CHAPTER XXIV: WHY THE PRINCES OF ITALY HAVE LOST THEIR STATES 38 CHAPTER XXV: WHAT FORTUNE CAN EFFECT IN HUMAN AFFAIRS, AND HOW SHE MAY BE WITHSTOOD 38 CHAPTER XXVI: AN EXHORTATION TO LIBERATE ITALY FROM THE BARBARIANS 40

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. The Art of War was the work Machiavelli considered his most important, one that lays out military strategy and objectives in order to secure victory. As Voltaire put it, \"Machiavelli taught Europe the art of war; it had long been practiced, without being known.\"

Il Principe (The Prince) is a political treatise by the Florentine public servant and political theorist Niccol� Machiavelli. Originally called De Principatibus (About Principalities), it was written in 1513, but not published until 1532, five years after Machiavelli''s death. The treatise is not representative of the work published during his lifetime, but it is the most remembered, and the work responsible for bringing \"Machiavellian\" into wide usage as a pejorative term. It has also been suggested by some critics that the piece is, in fact, a satire.

\"The classic book has always read again and again.\"\"What is the classic book?\"\"\"\"Why is the classic book?\"\"READ READ READ.. then you''ll know it''s excellence.\"

Instead of memorizing vocabulary words, work your way through an actual well-written novel. Even novices can follow along as each individual English paragraph is paired with the corresponding German paragraph. It won''t be an easy project, but you''ll learn a lot!

The full text of Nicolas Machiavelli: The Prince.

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. The Art of War was the work Machiavelli considered his most important, one that lays out military strategy and objectives in order to secure victory. As Voltaire put it, \"Machiavelli taught Europe the art of war; it had long been practiced, without being known.\"

Machiavelli needs to be looked at as he really was. Hence: Can Machiavelli, who makes the following observations, be Machiavellian as we understand the disparaging term? 1. So it is that to know the nature of a people, one need be a Prince; to know the nature of a Prince, one need to be of the people. 2. If a Prince is not given to vices that make him hated, it is unsusal for his subjects to show their affection for him. 3. Opportunity made Moses, Cyrus, Romulus, Theseus, and others; their virtue domi-nated the opportunity, making their homelands noble and happy. Armed prophets win; the disarmed lose. 4. Without faith and religion, man achieves power but not glory. 5. Prominent citizens want to command and oppress; the populace only wants to be free of oppression. 6. A Prince needs a friendly populace; otherwise in diversity there is no hope. 7. A Prince, who rules as a man of valor, avoids disasters, 8. Nations based on mercenary forces will never be solid or secure. 9. Mercenaries are dangerous because of their cowardice 10. There are two ways to fight: one with laws, the other with force. The first is rightly man''s way; the second, the way of beasts.

Great Value: This product contains both the original text AND a 30 page collection of annotations, information, and resources!Whether you are reading for fun or seeking a new level of understanding, you will benefit immensely from this Special Annotated Student and Teacher Edition!Added to this special edition of a classic book is a special section which contains activities for understanding, as well as guided questions for major aspects of the book. This resource is ideal for a quick read to prepare you for an exam or finish a homework assignment. This resource contains information specifically aimed at assisting readers in understanding the classic text, preparing students for examinations, or providing lesson plans for teachers. This book is ideal for readers in high school, college, or those individuals who are seeking an easier understanding of a classic text.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Discourses on Livy is a work of political history and philosophy written in the early 16th century (ca. 1517) by the Italian writer and political theorist Niccolo Machiavelli, best known as the author of The Prince. The Discourses were published posthumously with papal privilege in 1531. The title identifies the work''s subject as the first ten books of Livy''s Ab urbe condita, which relate the expansion of Rome through the end of the Third Samnite War in 293 BCE, although Machiavelli discusses what can be learned from many other eras including contemporary politics. Machiavelli saw history in general as a way to learn useful lessons from the past for the present, and also as a type of analysis which could be built upon, as long as each generation did not forget the works of the past. Machiavelli frequently describes Romans and other ancient peoples as superior models for his contemporaries, but he also describes political greatness as something which comes and goes amongst peoples, in cycles. Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli was a Florentine historian, politician, diplomat, philosopher, humanist, and writer during the Renaissance. He was for many years an official in the Florentine Republic, with responsibilities in diplomatic and military affairs. He was a founder of modern political science, and more specifically political ethics. He also wrote comedies, carnival songs, and poetry. His personal correspondence is renowned in the Italian language. He was Secretary to the Second Chancery of the Republic of Florence from 1498 to 1512, when the Medici were out of power. He wrote his masterpiece, The Prince, after the Medici had recovered power and he no longer held a position of responsibility in Florence. His views on the importance of a strong ruler who was not afraid to be harsh with his subjects and enemies were most likely influenced by the Italian city-states, which due to a lack of unification were very vulnerable to other unified nation-states, such as France. \"Machiavellianism\" is a widely used negative term to characterize unscrupulous politicians of the sort Machiavelli described in The Prince. The book itself gained enormous notoriety and wide readership because the author seemed to be endorsing behavior often deemed as evil and immoral. Because of this, the term \"Machiavellian\" is often associated with deceit, deviousness, ambition, and brutality.\"

The Art of War (Dell''arte della guerra), is one of the lesser-read works of Florentine statesman and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli.The format of ''The Art of War'' was in socratic dialogue. The purpose, declared by Fabrizio (Machiavelli''s persona) at the outset, \"To honor and reward virtù, not to have contempt for poverty, to esteem the modes and orders of military discipline, to constrain citizens to love one another, to live without factions, to esteem less the private than the public good.\" To these ends, Machiavelli notes in his preface, the military is like the roof of a palazzo protecting the contents.Written between 1519 and 1520 and published the following year, it was the only historical or political work printed during Machiavelli''s lifetime, though he was appointed official historian of Florence in 1520 and entrusted with minor civil duties..............................................................