The Sweetness of Power: Machiavelli's Discourses and Guicciardini's Considerations

by James B. Atkinson (Editor), Niccolò Machiavelli, Francesco Guicciardini

The question of order inspired two of the greatest political thinkers of the Renaissance―Niccoló Machiavelli and Francesco Guicciardini, whose major works on the nature of government are linked in an authoritative new translation. Political adversaries but nonetheless friends, Machiavelli and Guicciardini both reflected on ancient Rome and refined their conceptions of government with an eye to the political turmoil of their own Florence. Based on the definitive Italian editions and including extensive explanatory notes, this new translation recreates the fascinating conflict that helped to shape the history of political thought.

Genres: Politics, Philosophy

504 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best of all Machiavelli's books. It is the truest explanation of his political philosophy. This translation is very good and made it an easy read. Machiavelli wrote in a personal voice anyway (speaking to the reader as "you") which made his writing vivid. Some of the individual chapters where a slog for me. But, only a few.

I recommend this book to all.