Machiavelli: A Biography
"This is a superb biography, of interest to anybody -- not just management consultants -- trying to get along in the contemporary world. . . . Unger is superb at providing context, so readers grasp how Machiavelli's thinking was received during his lifetime, how it has been interpreted/misinterpreted through the centuries, and how it offers meaning in the 21st century."—Steve Weinberg,USA Today"A thoughtful and well-informed study of the life of the Florentine diplomat and government bureaucrat. . . . Unger presents a side of the cynical and jaded diplomat rarely known by even those who had read Machiavelli’s notorious collection of practical and often amoral advice to the prospective ruler."—Karl Rove"Unger skillfully narrates the details of a life led during one of the greatest periods of artistic, political, and literary activity in Western history. . . . [He] does a wonderful job of bringing Machiavelli to life."—Alan Wolfe,The New Republic"A captivating biography of Italian philosopher and playwright Niccolò Machiavelli. . . . Lively, well-researched portrait of a master political strategist."—Kirkus Reviews"An excellent analysis of the influential thinker and his renowned writings."—Booklist"Excellent. . . . wonderfully readable."—Jessica Warner,National Post"For most people, 'Machiavellian' means ruthless, the application of power without remorse. Thanks to a fascinating portrait by Miles J. Unger, the real Machiavelli comes across the centuries as something more: a man with whom many of us might like to spend a few hours in rich conversation."—Repps Hudson,St. Louis Post-Disptach"A wonderful biography. . . . Unger includes details you didn't hear in World History 101, details that make fascinating reading and should put the book on the list of any history buff."—John Monaghan,The Providence Journal-Bulletin