Product Description

This book presents a critical examination of Machiavelli's thought, combining an accessible, historically-informed account of his work with a reassessment of his central ideas and arguments. Viroli challenges the accepted interpretations of Machiavelli's work, insisting that his republicanism was based not on a commitment to virtue, greatness, and expansion, but to the ideal of civic life protected by the shield of fair laws. His detailed study of how Machiavelli composed The Prince offers a number of new interpretations and he further contends that the most challenging--and underestimated--aspect of Machiavelli's thought is his philosophy of life, in particular his conceptions of love, women, irony, God, and the human condition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #681888 in Books
• Published on: 1998-12-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 264 pages

Review
Focusing on the eloquence and rhetorical structure of Machiavelli's writings, Viroli shows how they draw upon Quintillian and Cicero as well as on little-know Italian humanists. In this respect, the book is instructive./C.E.Butterworth/Choice September 1999 vol.37 No.1

About the Author
Maurizio Viroli is Professor of Politics at Princeton University. He previously worked at the European University Institute.

Customer Reviews

A spectacular reinterpretation
I would consider Viroli an authority on Machiavelli, the only person to understand the true meaning of his writings. In this book, Viroli refutes popular notions about Machiavelli and also examines other central themes, such as the true nature of the republic and the need for rhetoric in politics.

Viroli presents a Machiavelli that is vastly different from the Machiavelli associated with "power politics." This Machiavelli believes firmly in the republic as the best form of government and has a philosophy of life encompassing love and other human conditions. One of the most interesting points is that Machiavelli writes according to the classical rhetorical guidelines. He is not writing as an academic or a philosopher, he is writing to the general public to move people to action. Rhetoric is necessary in politics to persuade people and make ideas accepted. This is lacking in current politics, most glaringly in our current president.

I have been fortunate enough to take two of Professor Viroli's courses at Princeton University. He has mastered the rhetoric that he claims is so important. He is a moving, animated speaker that really grasps your attention. His rich texts convey this light and playful but thoughtful and powerful sense as well. He is often repetitive, but this serves only to make sure the reader/listener understands the most important points.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that has any interest in Machiavelli or politics in general