84 pages • 2 hours read
The Discourses
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Book Brief
306
Book • Nonfiction
Florence, Italy • 16th Century
1531
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Written in 1516 during his exile, Niccolò Machiavelli's The Discourses is a three-book commentary on the first ten volumes of Livy's history of the Roman Republic, focusing on its founding, maintenance, and protection. Machiavelli applies Roman governance principles to contemporary republics, discussing statecraft, foreign relations, and leadership. Discussions on war and conflict are present throughout the text.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Mysterious
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Discourses by Niccolò Machiavelli offers a profound exploration of republican governance and political theory, appreciated for its timeless analysis and application to modern politics. Praised for clarity and insight, some critics find it dense and challenging. Overall, it remains an essential read for political philosophy enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Discourses?
Readers who enjoy The Discourses by Niccolò Machiavelli are likely interested in political theory, history, and philosophy. Comparable to fans of The Republic by Plato and On Liberty by John Stuart Mill, they appreciate classical works that explore governance, civic virtue, and the mechanics of republics.
306
Book • Nonfiction
Florence, Italy • 16th Century
1531
Adult
18+ years
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