Niccolò Machiavelli: The Prince (1513)
About the Author
Niccolò Machiavelli was born in Florence on May 3, 1469. Little is known of his early life. Since his father's financial problems prevented him from receiving an education that would have matched his abilities, he was largely self-taught. During his twenties he witnessed the rise and fall of Girolamo Savonarola. In the new republican government that was created after Savonarola's execution, he was appointed head of the second chancery (cancelleria) in Florence. The post was less important than other posts, but its responsibilities grew when it was merged with the Secretariat of the Ten (i Dieci), which was the executive council. He was also secretary to the magistracy, and as such he was ultimately responsible to the Signoria, the governing council, which assigned him duties concerning foreign relations and defense.
In the course of performing his duties, Machiavelli went on several diplomatic missions. The first was to France in 1500. Upon his return, he...
