The Life and Works of Niccolo Machiavelli

Niccoló Machiavelli is perhaps the greatest political thinker in history. He was a historian, musician, a poet, and he wrote comedies. He liked poetry as much as he liked philosophy. Machiavelli wrote and collected poems. His works, which are inspired by his life experiences, have been read by many of the worlds greatest politicians. Niccoló Machiavelli’s writing was influenced by the Medici family, the Soderini government in Italy, and his own diplomatic career. His great work, The Prince, is legendary for its impact in politics and its controversial proposals.

Niccoló Machiavelli was born on May 3, 1469, in Florence, Italy. This was during the golden ages of Florence, a powerful point in its history. His parents were Bernardo Machiavelli, who was a lawyer, and Bartolomea Machiavelli. He was the third of four children (Ford 11). He had two older sisters named Primavera and Margerita. Machiavelli also had a younger brother, Totto, who was six years younger than him (Ford 11).

The Machiavelli family lived in a large house in the Santo Spirito quarter of Florence, near the Ponte Vecchio (King 3). His father owned a farm outside Florence in the village of Sant’ Andre in Percussina. The house included vineyards, apple orchards, olive trees, and livestock. His father also possessed a tavern and a butcher shop (King 3). The Machiavelli family might have owned all this; however, they were not rich.

The Machiavelli family was part of the average middle class. They were not descended from one of Florence’s most important families (Gilbert 9). Although they were not a rich family, the Machiavellis were a respected Florentine family (Wagner 16). Many of his ancestors played an important role in Florence’s politics and hel...

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.... He was a man whose life experiences revealed the ugly truth of what it takes to be an effective leader. His legacy will go on for ever.

Works Cited

Ford, Nick. Niccolo Machiavelli: Florentine Statesman, playwright, and poet. Rosen

Publishing Group, 2004.

Gilbert, Felix. History of Florence and the affairs of Italy. New York: Harper and Row

Publishers, 1960.

Jensen, De Lamar, ed. Machiavelli: Cynic, Patriot, or Political Scientist? Boston: D.C.

Health, 1960. Questia.Web.28 Mar.2010.

King, Ross. Niccolo Machiavelli: Philosopher of Power. New York: Harper Collins

Publishers, 2007.

Viroli, Maruizio. Niccolo’s smile: A Biography of Machiavelli. Translated by Antony

Shugaar. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2002.

Wagner, Heather Lehr. Machiavelli: Renaissance Political analyst and author. Chelsea

House of Publications, 2005.