The Political Philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli - by Filippo del Lucchese (Paperback)

About the Book

The Political Philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli is a clear account of Machiavelli's thought, major theories and central ideas. Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of Machiavelli's ideas, it is the ideal companion to the study of this influential and challenging philosopher.

Book Synopsis

All students of Western political thought encounter Niccolò Machiavelli's work. Nevertheless, his writing continues to puzzle scholars and readers who are uncertain how to deal with the seeming paradoxes they encounter. 'The Political Philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli' is a clear account of Machiavelli's thought, major theories and central ideas. It critically engages with his work in a new way, one not based on the problematic Cambridge-school approach. Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of Machiavelli's ideas, it is the ideal companion to the study of this influential and challenging philosopher.

From the Back Cover

Filippo Del Lucchese provides an original interpretation of Machiavelli's thought as well as the debates surrounding his work over four centuries. Written with clarity and elegance, this book is likely to become a classic. Étienne Balibar, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at University Paris-Nanterre An introduction to the political thought and philosophy of Machiavelli Niccolò Machiavelli was one of the most original and influential thinkers of early modern times. All students of Western political thought encounter his work. Nevertheless, his writing continues to puzzle scholars and readers who are uncertain how to deal with the seeming paradoxes they encounter. The Political Philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli is a clear account of Machiavelli's thought, his major theories, and central ideas. It is also a critical engagement with his work which is not based on the mainstream, Cambridge school approach. Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of Machiavelli's ideas, it is the ideal companion to the study of this influential and challenging philosopher. Key features - An introduction to Machiavelli's life and the historical and theoretical context within which he developed his ideas. - A clear and detailed examination of the texts commonly encountered, including The Prince, The Discourses, The Florentine Histories and The Art of War. - A critical analysis of Machiavelli's most important concepts and the ways they continue to reverberate within Western political philosophy. - Examines his language and in particular central themes such as Virtue, Fortune, Conflict, History, Religion. Filippo del Lucchese is Lecturer in History of Political Thought at Brunel University - London and Senior Research Associate, Faculty of Humanities at the University of Johannesburg

Review Quotes

Del Lucchese's reading of Machiavelli is an exemplary interpretation. It is a highly readable and engaging account of Machiavelli that is both scholarly and plausible. Importantly, it shows how Machiavelli has much to say about the practice of politics and the nature of historical developments in the early modern, and indeed the late modern, world. This is more than enough to be going on with.--Gary Browning, Oxford Brookes University "Radical Philosophy"

Filippo Del Lucchese provides an original interpretation of Machiavelli's thought as well as the debates surrounding his work over four centuries. Written with clarity and elegance, this book is likely to become a classic.-- "Étienne Balibar, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at University Paris-Nanterre"

About the Author

Filippo Del Lucchese is Lecturer in History of Political Thought at Brunel University, London; Senior Research Associate, University of Johannesburg; and Chair at the Collège International de Philosophie in Paris. His research interests are in the early modern period (from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment), history of philosophy and Marxism. He is the author of Conflict, Power and Multitude in Machiavelli and Spinoza (Continuum Press, 2009). He has also published articles on the history of early modern philosophy and political theory in journals such as History of Political Thought, European Journal of Political Theory, Dialogue, International Studies in Philosophy and Differences.