Few figures in intellectual history have been as controversial as Niccolò Machiavelli. While his work "The Prince" cemented his name with the notion of authoritarian ruthlessness and cynical manipulation, the "Discourses" (around 1517) reveal a radically different view of the political world. In this carefully argued commentary on Livy's history of the Roman republic, Machiavelli proposed a system of governance that would promote political liberty and security by instilling virtues of active citizenship and encouraging citizens to place the needs of the state above personal interests. Ambitious in its scope, yet realistic, the "Discourses" create a contemporary theory of democratic politics. The definitive translation by Leslie J. Walker has been revised by Brian Richardson and is accompanied by an introduction by Bernard Crick that sheds light on Machiavelli's historical context and his new political theories. This edition also includes suggestions for further reading and notes.

Pages: 544, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm