Machiavelli: Discourses on the First Decade of Livy

Machiavelli's Discourses on Livy is a monumental work in the history of political thought, which argues for republican government as the constitutional form best suited to producing a glorious nation. This modern translation and commentary accurately explains and contextualises Machiavelli's political and historical vocabulary.

Machiavelli's Discourses on Livy is a monumental work in the history of political thought, which argues for republican government as the constitutional form best suited to producing a glorious nation. Published posthumously in 1531, the Discourses represent Machiavelli's most extensive treatment of politics, covering the ordering of republics, the governance of kingdoms, the administration of military affairs, the conduct of wars and the expansion of empires. This modern translation accurately explains and contextualises Machiavelli's political and historical vocabulary, with commentary indicating its vast range of classical, medieval and humanist sources, as well as identifying its huge number of historical references. Robert Black's accessible introduction, notes and references offer insights into Machiavelli's implicit concepts, providing a full understanding of the Discourses for English-language readers.