Niccolò Machiavelli: An Intellectual Biography

by Corrado Vivanti, Simon Macmichael (Translator)

A colorful, comprehensive, and authoritative account of Machiavelli's life and thought

This is a colorful, comprehensive, and authoritative introduction to the life and work of the Florentine statesman, writer, and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527). Corrado Vivanti, who was one of the world's leading Machiavelli scholars, provides an unparalleled intellectual biography that demonstrates the close connections between Machiavelli's thought and his changing fortunes during the tumultuous Florentine republic and his subsequent exile. Vivanti's concise account covers not only Machiavelli's most famous works--The Prince, The Discourses, The Florentine Histories, and The Art of War--but also his letters, poetry, and comic dramas. While setting Machiavelli's life against a dramatic backdrop of war, crisis, and diplomatic intrigue, the book also paints a vivid human portrait of the man.

Genres: Biography, History, Philosophy, Politics, Italy, Renaissance, Italian Literature

261 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot. I feel like it might have even been better if the translation had been smoother. It is also possible that Vivanti's writing style is meant to be read primarily by academics and is deliberately unapproachable.

[Claus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable and intellectual biography on Niccolò Machiavelli - alas all to short.
One can tell that Corrado Vivanti has read most of Machiavelli's books, letters, plays and poems, and he interweaves them to a perfect biography complete with a profound knowledge of the Italian sources.

[Claus Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable and intellectual biography on Niccolò Machiavelli - alas all to short.

[Max Giordana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estupenda biografía. Bien personal y con datos detallistas de la persona

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heb deze biografie na een aantal jaren opnieuw uit de kast gepakt en herlezen n.a.v. het aankoop en lezen van recente 'biografie' van Erica Benner (zie mijn leeslijst). Ik vond en vind Vivanti's biografie leesbaarder, minder pretentieus, beter onderbouwd en rijker in historische kontekst. Er had van mij meer politieke filosofie in gemogen maar dat tezijde. Al met al een aanrader, mits men Machiavelli's Heerser en Discorsi er naast houdt natuurlijk.

[Swastee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it says, 'What did you think?' And my Mind is full of verses. Must Read. Must Must.