The Discourses

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The Discourses by NiccolΓ² Machiavelli explores republican governance and political philosophy, reflecting on the functioning of ancient Rome. Machiavelli examines the benefits of a republic over other forms of government, offering insights on power, leadership, and statecraft. The work discusses how laws and institutions can shape a stable and virtuous society.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this classic if you're interested in political theory and the workings of republican forms of government. It offers deep insights into the balance between liberty and authority, and the importance of civic virtue, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone fascinated by the dynamics of power and governance.

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The Discourses

Proposes 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 pragmatic, this work creates a modern theory of republic politics.

Ambitious in scope, but also clear-eyed and pragmatic, The Discourses creates a modern theory of republic politics.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Few figures in intellectual history have proved as notorious and ambiguous as Niccolo Machiavelli. For 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 proposes a system of government that would uphold civic freedom and security by instilling the virtues of active citizenship, encouraging citizens to put the needs of the state above personal interests.

Ambitious in scope, clear-eyed and pragmatic, The Discourses expound another modern theory of republican politics.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140444285

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 October 1983

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Edited by Bernard Crick
  • Introduction by Bernard Crick
  • Translated by Brian Richardson
  • Translated by Leslie Walker
  • Edited by Bernard Crick

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 368g

Pages: 544

About the Author

Niccolo Machivaelli (1469-1527) was appointed secretary to the Florentine Republic in 1498. He was dismissed from this post in 1512 and forced to withdraw from public life, after which time he wrote The Prince, a handbook for rulers. Leslie Walker translated many texts from Italian over the course of a distinguished career.

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