Machiavelli: The Art of Teaching People What to Fear (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781590519523)

A NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS' CHOICE

In a series of poignant vignettes, a preeminent historian makes a compelling case for Machiavelli as an unjustly maligned figure with valuable political insights that resonate as strongly today as they did in his time.

Whenever a tempestuous period in history begins, Machiavelli is summoned, because he is known as one for philosophizing in dark times. In fact, since his death in 1527, we have never ceased to read him to pull ourselves out of torpors. But what do we really know about this man apart from the term invented by his detractors to refer to that political evil, Machiavellianism?

It was Machiavelli's luck to be disappointed by every statesman he encountered throughout his life--that was why he had to write The Prince. If the book endeavors to dissociate political action from common morality, the question still remains today, not why, but for whom Machiavelli wrote. For princes, or for those who want to resist them? Is the art of governing to take power or to keep it? And what is "the people?" Can they govern themselves? Beyond cynical advice for the powerful, Machiavelli meditates profoundly on the idea of popular sovereignty, because the people know best who oppresses them.

With verve and a delightful erudition, Patrick Boucheron sheds light on the life and works of this unclassifiable visionary, illustrating how we can continue to use him as a guide in times of crisis.

Author: Patrick Boucheron
ISBN-10: 1590519523
ISBN-13: 9781590519523
Publisher: Other Press (NY)
Language: English
Published: 02/11/2020
Pages: 176
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.40lbs
Size: 7.40h x 5.10w x 0.50d

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2019
Library Journal 01/01/2020 pg. 77