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The Discourses

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1531

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Book Brief

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Niccolò Machiavelli

The Discourses

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1531
Book Details
Pages

306

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Florence, Italy • 16th Century

Publication Year

1531

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

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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 this

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.

Character List

Niccolò Machiavelli

A diplomat and military commander from the Italian Renaissance who writes influential political works during his exile, including one that examines the structure of the Roman Republic.

An ancient historian whose writings provide a detailed account of Roman history, serving as the source material for Machiavelli's commentary on republican virtues.

A legendary figure credited with founding the Roman Republic by overthrowing Rome's monarchy, embodying the bravery and virtue that Machiavelli admires.

A Carthaginian general known for his strategic prowess, whose attempts to conquer Rome are used by Machiavelli as a contrast to Roman military leadership.

A Roman general celebrated for his bold tactics in defeating Hannibal, exemplifying the daring leadership praised by Machiavelli.

A Roman consul whose cautious defensive strategies against Hannibal are highlighted by Machiavelli as effective in certain circumstances but less suitable elsewhere.

A military and political leader whose dominance over Rome is presented as a key moment leading to the republic's downfall and eventual transition to autocratic rule.

An influential Italian family known for their periodic rule over Florence, impacting Machiavelli's career and political landscape during his lifetime.

The head of the Florentine Republic whose attempts to govern without sufficient authority are critiqued by Machiavelli for failing to maintain control.

A religious reformer who briefly leads Florence after ousting the Medicis, recognized for his zealous governing style.

Two Roman consuls whose political maneuvers illustrate the tensions and conflicts that contribute to the weakening of the Roman Republic's structure.

Book Details
Pages

306

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Florence, Italy • 16th Century

Publication Year

1531

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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