First published 2016
In "Discourses," Niccolò Machiavelli dissects the rise and fall of ancient Rome. Through vivid historical examples, he reveals the ruthless realities of statecraft. Navigating treachery and ambition, Machiavelli outlines how a leader must act to maintain control and achieve greatness. This uncompromising treatise challenges conventional morality, arguing that the ends can justify the means in the pursuit of power.
Genres: history, philosophy, political-science, non-fiction, ancient-history, academic
Vibes: dark, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: unreliable-narrator
544 pages · Paperback · Penguin Classics