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Indlæser... The Letters of Machiavelli : A Selectionaf Niccolò Machiavelli
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This collection of the most brilliant and characteristic letters of Niccolò Machiavelli displays the vital and penetrating mind of the man who wrote the first work of modern political science. These letters, which reveal Machiavelli's critical intelligence, sense of humor, and elegant sense, are our chief source of information about his personal life. As such, they will serve as a vivid introduction to the personalities and events of the most turbulent period of the Renaissance, and they will also enlighten people who have been fascinated by the political thinker who wrote The Prince and The Discourses on Livy. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Indlæser... GenrerMelvil Decimal System (DDC)320.10924Social sciences Political Science Political Science The State Biography And History BiographyLC-klassificeringVurderingGennemsnit:
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A theme of the earlier letters is Machiavelli’s desire to get back into politics and there is a constant feeling that he is trying to prove how useful he could be, later on he seems more resigned to his fate as a watcher from the sidelines and then towards the end of his life when he does get the unenviable position of Procurator of the Walls of Florence he is back into the swing of political business. I say unenviable position because Florence was trying to defend itself from being overrun by the Spanish or the French armies and had to negotiate with the Pope in Rome on how to organise its defensive positions, still Machiavelli was back in business and no doubt relished the task.
In one of his final letters to Francesco Vettori Machiavelli says “I love my native city more than my own soul” and from reading his previous correspondence there is no doubt that this is true. In an age of corruption Machiavelli appears as an honest man, he did not profit overmuch from his official government positions and remained relatively poor throughout his life. The letters do of course bring out the human side of his character, his concerns over his family and friends, his advice and encouragement to his children to work hard in order to gain advancement and good practical advice to relatives on how to conduct themselves.
Allan Gilbert’s lengthy introduction gives a potted history of the life of Machiavelli, which would be essential reading for anybody coming to his book with little knowledge of its subject.. He also brings out some salient points from the letters on various topics such as: The Mind of a Statesmen and A Poet, Thinking towards the Prince, Florentine Marriages etc. these are useful, but not essential as many readers with some knowledge of the period will be able to pick out these themes for themselves.
Had this book been the only available translation of Machiavelli’s letters then it would certainly be essential for anyone interested in the correspondence, it would also serve as useful material for the student or the more casual reader. However there is a more recent book “Machiavelli and his Friends: their personal correspondence, which might suit the enthusiast even more. I think I might be tempted. ( )