Machiavelli's The Prince Rewritten for Municipal Politicians
Tim Parks, one of the most recent translators of Machiavelli’s The Prince (this is one of my personal favourites), has recently had an article published in the NY Times Review of Books. Parks’ piece is called “Reading it Wrong,” and it’s about the difficult nature of translating a foreign language in a way that both resonates … Continue reading “More thoughts on translating Machiavelli”
I admit up front that my ability to read and speak Italian is limited to ordering some restaurant food. However, I have studied English and its etymology, some French, Spanish, and Hebrew, small Latin and less Greek (to paraphrase Johnson), so I can fumble my way through some Italian phrases and understand much of the … Continue reading “Translating Machiavelli”
Is Machiavelli still relevant in the post-truth era? Can he help us understand the rise of modern demagogues like Donald Trump? I believe so, but in great part it depends on the translation. Many readers were introduced to Machiavelli’s masterwork, Il Principe, through the translations of late 19th and early 20th century editors like William … Continue reading “Tim Parks translates The Prince”
This site is designed to provide two things: my rewrite of and comments on Machiavelli’s 1513 book, The Prince, and to provide space for recent posts and essays about topics related to Machiavelli and his position in politics, society and on the internet today. My book was written in mid-2012, intended for publication. I have, … Continue reading “How to Read the Municipal Machiavelli”
Intro: Opening Quotes & Dedication Introduction Chapters (follows The Prince): Chapter 1: Home Town Kingdoms Chapter 2: Why Incumbents Rule Municipalities Chapter 3: Newcomers Versus Incumbents Chapter 4: Flexing Your Muscles Chapter 5: Troublesome Incumbents & Staff Chapter 6: New Ideas Make Enemies Chapter 7: With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies? Chapter 8: Does … Continue reading “Directory of pages in the Municipal Machiavelli”
The addenda and appendices: Opening Quotes & Dedication Introduction A Brief Biography of Machiavelli About The Prince Machiavelli’s Rules Machiavellian Misquotes Why Machiavelli Matters Today Addendum: The Art of War The Ten Faults Translating Machiavelli Bibliography and Sources The Prince by Chapter: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII … Continue reading “Addenda”