7.22.2013
Machiavelli
by Miles J. Unger, 351 pgs, hardcoverOverall Grade: B-
An enlightening read on the life of Niccolo Machiavelli (best known as the author of The Prince). He actually wrote quite a few political commentaries as well as some poetry and two plays! And while I might dislike the moral relativism that the author properly notes as only one facet of Machiavelli's writings, it was interesting to learn that despite his famous political analyses, Machiavelli actually didn't do too well himself in the public square. He fell in and out of favor with the rulers of Florence several times over his life. He's basically a very good example of why being tactless is a bad idea for your career.
Generally readable, one thing I found annoying with Unger's writing is his repeating of the same phrased points. Sure there are only so many historical sources about Machiavelli for you to draw material from his life about - but you don't have to re-introduce them again and again through out the book!
Labels: genre: biographical, genre: historical, genre: non-fiction, media: book
