Machiavelli's prince : a new reading / Erica Benner.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Benner, Erica, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Machiavelli, Niccolò, 1469-1527. Principe.

Machiavelli, Niccolò.

Political science--Early works to 1800.

Political science.

Machiavelli, Niccolò, 1469-1527.

Local Subjects:

Machiavelli, Niccolò, 1469-1527.

Physical Description:

lv, 343 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2013.

Summary:

Why did Machiavelli write the Prince - and why did religious and political authorities find it so threatening? Five hundred years on, this book tries to answer these questions. In the first detailed, chapter-by-chapter reading of the Prince in any language, Erica Benner shows that the book is a masterpiece of ironic writing. Machiavelli's style is deliberately ambiguous: he often seems to say one thing, but gives readers clues that point toward a very different message. Beyond its 'Machiavellian' surface, the Prince has a surprisingly moral purpose. It teaches readers how to recognize hidden dangers in political conduct that merely appears great or praiseworthy - and to mistrust promises of easy solutions to political problems. This highly engaging new interpretation helps readers to see beyond the Prince's deceptive first appearances. Benner sets out Machiavelli's main ironic techniques at the outset, especially his coded use of words to signal praise or blame. Once readers become familiar with these codes, they will find it easier to grasp the Prince's surreptitiously pro-republican message - and its powerful critique of charismatic one-man rule and imperial politics.

Contents:

Introduction

Ironic techniques

Coded words

Dedication : princes and peoples

States. States and modes

Maintaining states

Empire

Absolute government

Free cities

Modes. Virtú

Fortune

Crimes

Fortunate astuteness

Foundations. Abundance and necessity

Popes

Arms and laws

Arms and virtú

Knowledge and discipline

Virtues and vices. Praise and blame

Giving and spending

Fear and punishment

Deception and good faith

What princes should fear

Prudence and trust. Trusting one's own subjects

Gaining trust from allies

Trustworthy ministers

Why princes need the truth

Redemption. Stop blaming others

How to deal with fortune

Redeem yourselves

Conclusion.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [329]-336) and index.

ISBN:

9780199653638

0199653631

OCLC:

858004895