# Niccolo Machiavelli

## Biography

Niccolò Machiavelli was a Florentine diplomat, author, philosopher, and historian who lived during the Italian Renaissance. Born in Florence on May 3, 1469, he served as a senior official in the Florentine Republic for fourteen years, holding responsibilities in diplomatic and military affairs. During this time, he undertook numerous missions and played a significant role in the city's foreign policy.

In 1512, with the return of the Medici family to power, Machiavelli was dismissed from his duties and briefly imprisoned. This period of exile spurred his most influential writings. He is best known for his political treatise, The Prince, written around 1513 though published posthumously in 1532. This work, a handbook for rulers on acquiring and maintaining power, earned him a lasting reputation and the adjective "Machiavellian." He is widely considered the father of modern political philosophy and political science, offering a pragmatic and often cynical view of politics based on real-world observations rather than utopian ideals. Machiavelli also authored Discourses on Livy and The Art of War, among other historical and literary works. He died in Florence on June 21, 1527.

## Books

- [The Prince](https://samolit.com/books/95802)