Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince was one of the first, and most influential humanist works of the Renaissance. In the novel, Machiavelli outlines several aggressive methods and tactics which he believed would produce a perfect ruler. A ruler, who was more concerned about securing a stable and thriving society than maintaining ... 's methodology, as well his reputation for advocating ruthlessness, deception, and cruelty (Scharfstein 1995) Despite his notoriety, Niccolo Machiavelli is among the most widely read of the great writers of the Renaissance. He is known for his work as a political phi...

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• Approx Pages: 14
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... power" between their respective rulers (Speilvogel 312-313). This system only worked to provide short-term appeasement of conflicts, and eventually left the Italian peninsula disorganized and extremely vulnerable to an outside invader. Ironically, this situation is eerily similar to the state of Europe in the late nineteenth ... to protect and preserve that state's interests (Spielvogel 313). Unfortunately, Machiavelli's political career was cut short because of the turmoil of the Italian city-states at the time. Spanish victory in 1512 provided for the return of the Medici's to Florence ...

• Word Count: 2510
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... . His ideal ruler is a mix of the many he mentions including Ferdinand of Argon, Alexander the Great, certain Roman Emperors, and Cesare Borgia . He had a strong dislike for the previous Italian princes. The fact Machiaveli has taken the time to write this book leads me to believe that Italy was in desperate times. Its faith was up in the air and ... is of such great value that it not only keeps hereditary princes in power, but often raises men of lowly condition to that rank." Machiavelli's prince goes against the whole renaissance man perspective and travels along the line of an indivi...

• Word Count: 2654
• Approx Pages: 11