The Essential Writings of Machiavelli (Modern Library Classics)

FINALIST--2008 PEN TRANSLATION PRIZE

In "The Essential Writings of Machiavelli, " Peter Constantine has assembled a comprehensive collection that shows the true depth and breadth of agreat Renaissance thinker. Refreshingly accessible, these superb new translations are faithful to Machiavelli's original, beautifully crafted writings.

The volume features essays that appear inEnglish for the first time, such as "A Caution to the Medici" and "The Persecution of Africa." Also included are complete versions of the political treatise, "ThePrince," the comic satire "The Mandrake," "The Life of Castruccio Castracani," and the classic story "Belfagor," along with selections from "TheDiscourses, The Art of War, " and "Florentine Histories." Augmented with useful features-vital and concise annotations and cross-references-this unique compendium is certain tobecome the standard one-volume reference to this influential, versatile, and ever timely writer.

"Machiavelli's stress on political necessity rather than moral perfectionhelped inspire the Renaissance by renewing links with Thucydides and other classical thinkers. This new collection provides deeper insight into Machiavelli's personality as a writer, thus broadening ourunderstanding of him."

-Robert D. Kaplan, author of W"arrior Politics: Why Leadership Demands a Pagan Ethos "

"Constantine'sselection is not only intelligent; his translations are astonishingly good. Thoughtfully introduced by Albert Russell Ascoli, this edition belongs in everyone's library."

-JohnJeffries Martin, professor and chair, department of history, Trinity University

"If one were to assign a single edition of Machiavelli's works, this most certainly would beit."

-John P. McCormick, professor, department of political science, University of Chicago "From the Trade Paperback edition."