Century Library · On Livy

Author: [Italian] Niccolò Machiavelli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book is a commentary on the first 10 volumes of Livy's "History of Rome." It is a nostalgic and virtuous handbook for republicans. In this work, Machiavelli addresses his major views on politics, morality, fate, and necessity. He advises citizens, leaders, reformers, and founders on how to govern themselves, defend their freedom, and avoid corruption. The book discusses ancient and modern republicanism, where we can particularly see his close relationship with Aristotle's political doctrines, as well as his critique of Christianity, revealing his perspective on the secularization and modernity of his own time. "On Livy" is undoubtedly one of the most important works in the tradition of Western political thought, described by Harrington as the most important attempt to restore and apply essentially classical political freedom to post-medieval Europe.