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The Throne

Brief Description
Machiavelli is famous the world over, but who was he before he penned The Prince? It's October 1502, and the powerful Cesare Borgia is preparing to invade the Florentine Republic. Niccolò Machiavelli, an official of the Republic, is sent to Borgia's court to spy on him.... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Machiavelli is famous the world over, but who was he before he penned The Prince?

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

Machiavelli is famous the world over, but who was he before he penned The Prince?

It's October 1502, and the powerful Cesare Borgia is preparing to invade the Florentine Republic. Niccolò Machiavelli, an official of the Republic, is sent to Borgia's court to spy on him. At 33 years old, he has a nice pen but he's not famous. He cheats on his wife avidly, and he's deeply in debt. He's seen as trusted and useful, but he's kept on the sidelines.

A complex relationship slowly forms between Machiavelli and Borgia. The Duke needs someone to write his biography to respond to the many "slanders" circulating about him, and he chooses Niccolò to do it. Machiavelli not only gains wider access to Borgia's secrets, but also those of Dianora Mambelli, a young woman forced by the Borgias to stay by his side...

Listening to the Duke's reflections and discovering the hidden truths that Dianora reveals transforms Machiavelli and grants him the insight that will allow him to become a great writer. And, ultimately, put his own life at risk.

The Prince, written years later, was published posthumously; thanks to it, the writer they all thought mediocre will prove to be a genius, and Cesare Borgia will survive forever—just as he wanted.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781787705821

Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 November 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

Contributors:

  • Translated by Oonagh Stransky

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Franco Bernini is a scriptwriter, director, and writer. The Throne is his third novel.

Oonagh Stransky has translated a range of fiction and nonfiction writers, including Roberto Saviano, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Giuseppe Pontiggia, and Carlo Lucarelli. Her work has received important prizes and nominations. Born in Paris, Stransky grew up in the Middle East, London, and the United States and attended Mills College, Middlebury College, and Columbia University. A member of PEN American Center and the American Literary Translators Association, she currently lives in Tuscany.

Also by Franco Bernini

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  • The Throne
    In October 1502, the powerful Cesare Borgia was preparing to invade the Florentine Republic. Niccolò Machiavelli, an official of the Republic, is sent to Borgia's court to spy on him. At 33 years old, he has a nice pen, but he's not famous. He cheats on his wife avidly, and he's deep in debt. Though seen as trusted and useful,...
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    $3799
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    Ships in 4-6 weeks

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