 The Portable Machiavelli
This educator wanted to stop and expand on my personal look at this historical figure...honestly and indepth. This one helped greatly.
Got it All!
First of all, this is a well-regarded translation by Bondanella. Secondly it includes all of the Prince, much of the Discourses, as well as including pieces of his other major works and even a play! It's a wonderful reference for those who want a much clearer picture of who Machiavelli was!
Required Reading for Politicos
Pure and simple. If you have any interest in the game of politics, and haven't read Machiavelli, you absolutely must read this book. The Portable Machiavelli contains "The Prince", and a collection of private letters written by Niccolo Machiavelli. Read it, learn it, apply it.
A useful collection of Machiavelli's writings
A useful compendium of Machiavelli's works that reveals a breadth of views not typically ascribed to Machiavelli; yes, we have The Prince, but we also have his Discourses, and even The Mandrake Root.
Reading the dedication to the Prince and following it up immediately with the dedication to the Discourses will show you either how Machiavellian Machiavelli was, or, more optimistically, how much one can change as one progresses through his years.
Machiavelli
In a few words:
This is a thick, but fascinating example of Machiavelli.
In quite a few words:
"The Portable" series is generally used to combine the most important works of an author and present them to the public at comfortable, convenient prices for comfortable, convenient books. With Machiavelli, however, the most famous work is rather thin - a small slice out of this thick, well-packed book.
Yes, the most incredible "The Prince" is here, tucked away neatly between other Machiavelli writings. It is remarkably readable (either thanks to the translation, or simply because Machiavelli wrote it so) and amazingly interesting. It is rather like a small history coupled with tactics and tips on "How to Rule Your Kingdom - Ideas for a Young Prince".
If someone is looking only for "The Prince", they could get it here, but as it is not the first piece in the book, this may be inconvenient, and may wish to turn elsewhere to get that book. For people looking for Machiavelli on the whole, this is your book.
"The Portable Machiavelli" doesn't just give us the main published works. Machiavelli's letters are thrust in, as are quite a few plays. On the whole, this book is full of intriguing surprises which may lure readers who enjoyed "The Prince" to purchase this. And that would be a good purchase.
Quite recommended.
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