Life of Niccolo Machiavelli

by Roberto Ridolfi, Cecil Grayson (Translation)

This biography of Macchiavelli is widely regarded as Ridolfi's masterpiece and is based on much material drawn from private and public archives. It presents a fresh interpretation of Macchiavelli's career and writings and here, for example the dating of the composition of such famous works as the Prince and the Mandragola is established for the first time. This English translation, when originally published in 1963 included numerous correction and additions which brought it up to date with the most recent studies on Macchiavelli and his works.

Genres: Renaissance, History

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I lost serious interest once Ridolfi revealed his hand by delivering a panegyric to Savonarola and rebuking Machiavelli, who, it should be stressed, knew the friar first-hand, for judging Savonarola a fraud and a lair. In an attempt to assuage his own bruised moral sensibilities and still retain his admiration for Machiavelli, Ridolfi too quickly explains away the comment as a mere jest, a throwaway comment made among friends. This is seriously wrongheaded scholarship and mars the overall work.

[Mark Singer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than it deserved, and felt let down by the time that I finished. Ridolfi tends to ramble on and get lost in the details.
A good biography of an historical figure should have maps, and mention when an event happens. There are no maps, no timelines, and I had to consult elsewhere for the years when things happened. At least it had footnotes.