Niccolo's Smile: A Biography of Machiavelli

by Maurizio Viroli

Book Overview

A vivid portrayal of the great Italian philosopher - now in paperback

In Niccol 's Smile, Maurizio Viroli brings to life the fascinating writer who was the founder of modern political thought. Niccol Machiavelli's works on the theory and practice of statecraft are classics, but Viroli sugggests that his greatest accomplishment is his robust philosophy of life -- his deep beliefs about how one should conduct oneself as a modern citizen...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374528004
• ISBN13: 9780374528003
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Farrar, Strauss & Giroux-3pl
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.4" x 5.4"

Customer Reviews

Niccolo's Smile

Ever since I was four years old and first laid eyes upon Machiavelli's portait in an encyclopedia, I have been mystified by him. Throughout my education I had always been taught that Machiavelli was not such a nice guy. However, after reading "Niccolo's Smile" I've learned that the real Machiavelli isn't so Machiavellian at all. Besides the fact that he possessed a great mind, he was not only an extremely observant man, but he was also a patriot. "Niccolo's Smile" gives the reader a real glimpse into the life of Machiavelli contrary to the worn out image of Machiavelli as being a cold, shrewd, calculating politician. "Niccolo's Smile" paints a portrait of the real man with a heart and soul who felt the same joys and sorrows we all experience. Much praise goes out to "Niccolo's Smile".

A Good Read and Excellent Intro to "Machia's" Life

Every now and then you read a book that brings its subject to life. Having studied Machiavelli from his writings, it helps to now know of his charms. This book contributed to my understanding of his works but more importantly to the background and history of his conversations. A good, quick read... Recommended.

It's better to act and repent then not to act and regret

Maurizio Viroli does a masterful job of bringing the teachings of the world's first modern philosopher, Niccolo Machiavelli, to light. Machiavelli has gained an unwarranted notorious reputation for his "evil" treatise on political thinking and acting through his authorship of "The Prince". "The Prince" received more notoriety than his politically erudite work "Discourses on the First Ten Books of Livy" in which Machiavelli espouses his belief that the Roman Republic was the best and most virtuous form of government to emulate. His breadth and understanding of Roman history is remarkable. Viroli throughout his book emphasizes Machiavelli's love of his country Florence, and the proud political work as a minor government administrator and ambassador Machiavelli performed during its years as a republic. It was on his many ambassadorial trips to the French, Papal, and Italian courts that he learned to observe political leaders and their governmental institutions which formed the basis of his political theories in his many writings. My favorite quote from the book is from a letter Machiavelli writes to a friend; "It's better to act and repent then not to act and regret". Modern philosophers starting with Machiavelli reject the classical view of politics as undemocratic and elitist. Only wealthy men of leisure would have time to develop the virtues and character necessary to rule. Machiavelli believed that man by nature was selfish and driven by ambition. Machiavelli is not interested in character formation and moral appeal but in building the right kind of institutions to govern society. Laws and justice would protect men from power hungry rulers. Modern philosophy is an out growth of the revolution that takes place in the natural sciences during the Enlightenment. The purpose of science is the conquest of nature man is in control of human life. Philosophers from Machiavelli on become sectarian. "Everything good is due to man's labor rather than to nature's gift." This book is not all politics and philosophy. Viroli gives us a good insight into the life and times of Niccolo Machiavelli with a good study into his character, passions, and psyche. As a retired Army officer and student of political philosophy, I found this to be a great book to continue one's journey into political philosophy and history of Europe.

Machiavelli as a human being rather than an epithet

This is a concise and lively account of Machiavelli's life. It provides the general reader with much needed context and background in order to read Machiavelli's works with any kind of understanding. While there are good scholarly works that can provide the feeling of more intellectual heft, this book should not be underestimated simply because it is easy to read and doesn't require weeks to read.Machiavelli is one of those brand-name characters that evoke certain reactions in people in such a generalized way that people mistakenly believe they know something about the man and his work. This book can help debunk much of that received nonsense. It is surprising how "modern" a man he was considering he lived nearly 500 years ago.The author has admiration for Machiavelli's skills as an analyst and as a diplomat, has sympathy for his personal suffering and disappointments, and forgiving in his attitude towards Machiavelli's human failings (the author might not even agree they were failings - they were just human). And that is the book's greatest contribution; it shows its subject as a human being rather than a caricature or a statue.In any case, I found this to be a very valuable and entertaining book. I recommend it highly. You can draw your own conclusions about the subject and they author's conclusions. But you will have gained a lot in the process of coming to those (now better informed) conclusions.There are a few helpful maps throughout the book and a suggested reading list at the end. The translation is terrific.

Portrait of the man.

I walked away from reading this with a greater understanding of the man and his thoughts. This is a wonderful book, essential for anyone interested in politics.