Introducing Machiavelli [Paperback]

Patrick Curry (Author), Oscar Zarate (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 26, 1992 | Series: Introducing

"Machiavellian" is a popular byword for treachery and opportunism. Machiavelli's classic book on statecraft, "The Prince", published over 400 years ago, remains controversial to this day because of its frankness as a practical guide to power. Is it a how-to manual for dictators, a cynical philosophy of "the end justifies the means", or a more complex and subtle analysis of successful government? Machiavelli was a loyal servant of the Florentine republic. His opposition to Medici despotism led him to torture on the rack and exile yet he chose as his model for the Prince the most notorious tyrant Cesare Borgia. This book traces the life of this paradoxical realist whose patriotism made him the first truly modern political scientist. Machiavelli is seen as central to the postmodern debate on civil society.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA?A slim volume that will attract and hold readers' attention. Through its black-and-white comics and snippets of text, this standard figure of high-school history classes is presented in a clear and lively manner. The Italian philosopher's political theories are introduced and tied to those of later leaders up to the present time. Even though the concepts are sophisticated, the graphic format will engage even reluctant readers. A clever and informative treatment.?Ginny Ryder, Lee High School, Springfield, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Patrick Curry is a freelance writer and historian living in London. His interests include the history of astrology, literary criticism, politics and ecology. Oscar Zarate is a highly acclaimed graphic artist who has illustrated many Introducing titles. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Totem Books (February 26, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1874166285
• ISBN-13: 978-1874166283
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,523,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Machiavelli, Niccolo

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book - Machiavelli as you never knew him, April 26, 2000

By 

BlahBoy678 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introducing Machiavelli (Paperback)

I picked this up from a sorting shelf this afternoon, and I am very very glad I did so. This book introduces you to Machiavelli's life and ideas, and then deftly compares his writings to contemporary and recent history. The "running commentary" by Machiavell is fascinating. It's opened my eyes to just how switched-on Machiavelli was, and how earnest and well-intentioned. I'm definitely going to be reading more about Machiavelli - indeed, this book was so good I'm considered changing out of science and into arts to pursue the topic more closely!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction!, February 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Introducing Machiavelli (Paperback)

I knew very little about Machiavelli before reading this amusing illustrated book. I had heard many 'negative' remarks about him, but just like Nietzsche, Machiavelli is not at all that simple. A fascinating character with much to say that is still quite relevant to our world today. I will definitely go on to read Machiavelli's books. The cartoon sequence featuring Mussolini and Gramsci in a dialog moderated by old Nick was great. Go out and get this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Machiavelli Beginners., October 25, 2004

By 

Gabriel Cruz (Glendale, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introducing Machiavelli (Paperback)

Many people will read the Prince, The Discourses, or the Art of War and not know what the hell Machiavelli was talking about. I picked this book up, and right away I figured the other books out. This is a required reading if you need to read the Prince, or the other books by Machiavelli.