Machiavelli

Machiavelli has been among the most commented upon, criticized and feared thinkers of the modern world. Infamous for his support of brutality and repression as valid political instruments, he is often portrayed as the pantomime villain of political theorists. In this whirlwind tour of Machiavelli’s writings and eventful life, Nederman highlights the complexities in his thought, showing that he actually advocated democracy as much as dictatorship, debate as much as violence, depending upon prevailing political conditions.

A remarkable achievement. Fluent and accessible in its language and style, yet insightful in its analysis.-- "Benedetto Fontana - Professor of Political Science, Baruch College of the City University of New Yor", A worthy contribution to Machiavelli studies. Drawing upon rich biographical material and a wide array of primary sources, Nederman persuasively illuminates the power and complexity of the Florentine's political thought.-- "Mary Dietz - Professor of Political Science, University of Minnesota", Clearly written and ground breaking. A panoramic overview of the entire body of his writings. A must-read.-- "Bettina Koch - Assistant Professor of Political Science, Virginia Tech University"

Cary J. Nederman is professor of political science at Texas A&M University. He is the author of over twenty books on the history of Western political thought.