Machiavelli : a dissection

Traditional interpretations of Machiavelli at times have regarded him as an insidious misanthrope, a cruel pessimist who allows ends to justify means and assigns the state supremacy over the individual. At other times, he is seen as a brilliant theorist whose rational and pragmatic approach allows the most efficient and healthy functioning of the state, the greatest degree of welfare for the people. In this examination, Sydney Anglo, a scholar in the history of ideas, forgoes these traditional assumptions. He starts afresh on an objective review of Machiavelli's thought and writings in the context of his life and times, considering such important works as The Prince and Discourses as well as the early writings and letters. The book breaks free both from uncritical admiration and from moral indignation to present a balanced treatment of this seminal Western thinker.