Public Libraries of Suffolk County, New York

Niccolò's smile, a biography of Machiavelli, Maurizio Viroli ; translated from the Italian by Antony Shugaar

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages [261]-262) and index

individual biography

maps

index present

non fiction

Niccolò's smile

bibliography

Maurizio Viroli ; translated from the Italian by Antony Shugaar

a biography of Machiavelli

"In Niccolo's Smile, Maurizio Viroli brings to life the fascinating writer who was the founder of modern political thought. Niccolo Machiavelli's works on the theory and practice of statecraft are classics, but Viroli suggests that his greatest accomplishment is his robust philosophy of life - his deep beliefs about how one should conduct oneself as a modern citizen in a republic, as a responsible family member, as a good person. On these subjects Machiavelli wrote no books; the text of his philosophy is his life itself, a life that was filled with paradox, uncertainty, and tragic drama."--Book jacket

Chronology of historical events in Italy, 1494-1527 -- 1. The mask and the face -- 2. Events that left their mark -- 3. The birth of the Republic and the death of the prophet -- 4. A very special secretary -- 5. Broader horizons -- 6. A furious wife and an unsettling Duke -- 7. The great theater of politics -- 8. History teaches those who wish to learn -- 9. A great idea, perhaps too great -- 10. The envy of the Florentines and a warrior Pope -- 11. The mission to the Emperor's court and the conquest of Pisa -- 12. The gathering storm -- 13. The death of a republic -- 14. Tragedy and laughter -- 15. To seem alive -- 16. The prince and Niccolò's love affair -- 17. The comedy of life -- 18. The flavor of history -- 19. Stories of monks, hell, and devils -- 20. Niccolò's last loves -- 21. In the Palazzo Vecchio and in the field, for the last time -- 22. To love one's native city more than one's own soul

adult

Biography of Machiavelli