The Discourses
The Discourses by Niccolo Machiavelli, published by Penguin on May 1, 1984, spans 544 pages and is presented in English. This work offers a commentary on Livy’s history of republican Rome, showcasing Machiavelli’s perspective on governance that contrasts sharply with his more famous treatise, The Prince. In The Discourses, Machiavelli argues for a political system that prioritizes civic freedom and security, advocating for active citizenship and the importance of community well-being over individual interests.
Readers will find that The Discourses presents a thoughtful exploration of political philosophy, emphasizing the virtues necessary for a successful republic. Machiavelli’s analysis encourages citizens to engage in the political process and consider the needs of the state, reflecting on themes relevant to political science and history. This edition contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding governance and civic responsibility, making it a significant text for those interested in the evolution of political thought in Europe, particularly in Italy.
Official synopsis Publisher
“It is not the well-being of individuals that makes cities great, but the well-being of the community”
Few figures in intellectual history have proved as notorious and ambiguous as Niccolò Machiavelli. But while his treatise The Prince made his name synonymous with autocratic ruthlessness and cynical manipulation, The Discourses (c.1517) shows a radically different outlook on the world of politics. In this carefully argued commentary on Livy’s history of republican Rome, Machiavelli proposed a system of government that would uphold civic freedom and security by instilling the virtues of active citizenship, and that would also encourage citizens to put the needs of the state above selfish, personal interests. Ambitious in scope, but also clear-eyed and pragmatic, The Discourses creates a modern theory of republic politics.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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