Author(s): Niccolo Machiavelli; Harvey C. Mansfield (Translator); Nathan Tarcov (Translator)

History

The Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius is one of the masterpieces by Machiavelli. This work narrates the writer's comments as to how a democratic government should be established. Through the comparison of Venice and Rome a detailed analysis of different kinds of governments is given. Machiavelli has ingeniously presented different aspects of his own contentions. Thought-provoking!I send you a gift, which if it answers ill the obligations I owe you, is at any rate the greatest which Niccolò Machiavelli has it in his power to offer. For in it I have expressed whatever I have learned, or have observed for myself during a long experience and constant study of human affairs. And since neither you nor any other can expect more at my hands, you cannot complain if I have not given you more.