Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) and, in poetry Lodovico Ariosto (1474-1533), are the master spirits of the age. Machiavelli's political and historical works, admirable in clarity, brevity,
and efficacy of expression, penetrating in insight, and at times noble in patriotic aspiration, are open to severe condemnation as virtually excluding moral considerations from the sphere of public
life.
Among the most original thinkers of the Renaissance is a brilliant and slightly tragic figure, Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527). Throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, his name
would be synonymous with deviousness, cruelty, and willfully destructive rationality; no thinker was every so demonized or misunderstood than Machiavelli. The source of this misunderstanding is his
most influential and widely read treatise on government, The Prince, a remarkably short book that attempts to lay out methods to secure and maintain political power.
Alberto Paronetto's production lays out in exacting and fully researched detail, not only the life and times of Niccolò Machiavelli, insight into the man who has proven to be so controversial,
even today, but does so in a exceptional and readable style, which will delight those who wish to pursue teaching and learning on a qualities basis.
Reviewer, Father Bill
WAI and W3C Compliant
Key teaching element: Motivational.
Copyright: 1986-2010