The Portable Machiavelli | 
 enlarge | Author: Niccolo Machiavelli
Creators: Peter Bondanella, Mark Musa
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Category: Book
List Price: $18.00
Buy Used: $1.51
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Avg. Customer Rating:  11 reviews
Sales Rank: 125752
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 576
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5 x 1
ISBN: 0140150927
Dewey Decimal Number: 320.10924
EAN: 9780140150926
ASIN: 0140150927
Publication Date: January 25, 1979
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Condition: Good solid overall condition, mild to moderate general wear, clean inside.
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Product Description
Edited and translated by Peter Bondanella and Mark Musa, "The Portable Machiavelli" not only gives the casual reader a chance to read different personal and professional works of Machiavelli, but also strives to do away with many of the myths that have plagued the man's posthumous fame. For example, the famous 'the ends justifies the means' quote is actually a gross exaggeration of what Machiavelli originally wrote, which was 'in the actions of all men...when there is no impartial arbiter, one must consider the final result'.The biggest counterargument Bondanella and Musa can supply is the simple fact that they include a less famous piece Machiavelli did called "The Discourses". This piece is often not mentioned or even casually footnoted because it presents the true Machiavelli - a man who was supportive of a Republic government run by the citizens. Any one who believes Machiavelli is a supporter of despots will be surprised to read him speaking in support for fair and public trials and a balance of power between rulers and their people.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
Required Reading for Politicos November 26, 2008
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 January 31, 2008
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 November 11, 2007
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.
A Wonderful Book September 19, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Here it is, Machiavelli's work in its sinister glory for all to behold. The truth of man's corruption and dishonesty is exposed for all the world to see.
The wise Florentine is not to be blamed and scandalised for lifting the veil on the
cesspool of politics, religion and royalty. No, he is to be congratulated for summarising the dastardly deeds committed by Popes, Princes, Kings and Emperors. Without Machiavelli to set us right, some of us may believe politics is a noble profession.
Use "The Portable Machiavelli" to see through the hazy rhetoric used by spin doctors, or as a tool to aid effective management strategies, or simply for entertainment purposes.
If you are unfamiliar with Machiavelli's work then prepare yourself for a shock. It's not a guidebook for tyrants, as many commentators may suggest, it's more of a literary equivalent of smelling salts. Once we have read Machiavelli's work we awaken with a clearer idea of the reality around us.
In the name of Iran April 4, 2006
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Machiavelli was only political philosopher who introduced political doctrines to a ruler.
He had a famouse statement: a prince must have qualities of two beasts, a fox to identify deception and a lion in order to engage confrantion with a enemy.
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