an annotated bibliography

Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince and Other Writings. Trans. Wayne A. Rebhorn. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2003.

Originally written to Lorenzo dé Medici to attain favor, The Prince is the chef-d’oeuvre of Machiavelli’s career. Encouraging the emergence of totalitarian rulers, Machiavelli compiled realpolitik paradigms to write an instructive discourse on how an ideal prince should intolerantly reign, exercising authoritative leadership. He suggests that a ruler, vying for power, should not let ethic morality hinder him from achieving his design. Modern scholars still read and debate the issues discussed in the pages of this philosophical work; it has been one of the most controversial political treatise since it was written in 1513.

Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Discourses. Trans. Leslie J. Walker S.J. London: Penguin Books Ltd., 1970.

Written in 1531, this book takes on a whole new set of ideals. The Discourses on Livy are an insightful collection of articulate musings. Depicting a society of peace and prosperity, Machiavelli states that a government should have its root firmly embedded in an ethical groundwork. The result would be a civic people who showed deference to the proper authorities. Consequently the people are urged to respect the state more than themselves and to give of oneself in order to assist others. It is radical but pragmatic with a hint of the ideal thrown in--almost those of a republic--to consider.

Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Art of War. Trans. Christopher Lynch. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2003.

Known as one of the worlds most informative books on war strategy and tactics, The Art of War, was revolutionary in its own time period. Considered a classic, it is one of the main texts used to teach the thought of western warfare, as well as the fundamentals behind the scene. Many of the most famous commanders, Napoleon Bonaparte and Fredrick the Great to name a couple, read and were influenced by Machiavelli’s ideas. It is a great read after reading both The Prince and The Discourses--it further explores Machiavelli’s thought in writing his other two books.

Machiavelli, Niccolo. The History of Florence: the affairs of Italy from the earliest years to the death of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Trans. Henry G. Bohn. London: Tilden Library, 1895.

Cardinal Guilio de’ Medici commissioned the writing of this book. Machiavelli took extensive pains to detail the land and surrounding towns, the family heritage of the prominent people in Florence. It is an in depth study and meant for readers who are ready for a challenge and an astute academic survey to understand the circumstances and details of the ancient Tuscan saga.