Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction

by Skinner, Quentin

• ISBN13: 9780192854070
• ISBN10: 0192854070
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-01-18
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects -- from Islam to Sociology, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume provides trenchant and provocative -- yet always balanced and complete -- discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject developed and how it influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all readers an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever area of study one deems important or appealing, whatever topic fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.Niccolo Machiavelli taught that political leaders must be prepared to do evil that good may come of it, and his name has been a byword ever since for duplicity and immorality. Is his sinister reputation deserved? In answering this question Quentin Skinner focuses on three major works, The Prince, the Discourses, and The History of Florence, and distills from them an introduction to Machiavelli of exemplary clarity.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	vii
Preface	ix
Introduction	1	(2)
The Diplomat	3	(20)
The Adviser to Princes	23	(31)
The Theorist of Liberty	54	(34)
The Historian of Florence	88	(13)
Works by Machiavelli Quoted in the Text	101	(1)
Further Reading	102	(5)
Index	107