From Booklist
Machiavellian is a pejorative term suggesting serpentine scheming and use of immoral, ruthless means to achieve desired ends; those ends usually include the maintenance of power at all costs. Inevitably, it is often assumed that Machiavelli himself must have reflected and practiced these methods in his personal and public life. Viroli, a professor of politics at Princeton, effectively refutes that notion in this absorbing and surprising survey of a full, eventful life. Machiavelli was cursed to live in interesting but chaotic and violent times. In Viroli's view, his longing for a powerful ruler was not merely based on a cynical wish to see power exercised; rather, Machiavelli hoped for a strong and, if necessary, devious ruler who could rule effectively but also wisely and justly. In his personal life, he is revealed here as a caring, sensitive man who, contrary to expectations, was frequently ruled by his heart rather than his head. This is a compact and enjoyable look at a man far more interesting than his myth. Jay Freeman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Review
"Elegant and accessible ... Viroli provides [a straightforward chronological account of events] in the pellucid Italian original, whose gracefulness has not been lost in Antony Shugaar's excellent translation ... The dramatics events of Italian political life and Machiavelli's participation in them ... determine the rhythm of his story." - Mark Lilla, The Washington Post Book World

"A welcome antidote to the clichéd image of self-interested knavery for which [Machiavelli] has become known ... Viroli succeeds ... in offering a fascinating portrait." - Alexander Stille, The New York Times Book Review



Review
"Elegant and accessible ... Viroli provides [a straightforward chronological account of events] in the pellucid Italian original, whose gracefulness has not been lost in Antony Shugaar's excellent translation ... The dramatics events of Italian political life and Machiavelli's participation in them ... determine the rhythm of his story." - Mark Lilla, The Washington Post Book World

"A welcome antidote to the clichéd image of self-interested knavery for which [Machiavelli] has become known ... Viroli succeeds ... in offering a fascinating portrait." - Alexander Stille, The New York Times Book Review



Review
"Elegant and accessible ... Viroli provides [a straightforward chronological account of events] in the pellucid Italian original, whose gracefulness has not been lost in Antony Shugaar's excellent translation ... The dramatics events of Italian political life and Machiavelli's participation in them ... determine the rhythm of his story." - Mark Lilla, The Washington Post Book World

"A welcome antidote to the clichéd image of self-interested knavery for which [Machiavelli] has become known ... Viroli succeeds ... in offering a fascinating portrait." - Alexander Stille, The New York Times Book Review



Book Description
A vivid portrayal of the great Italian philosopher - now in paperback

In Niccolò's Smile, Maurizio Viroli brings to life the fascinating writer who was the founder of modern political thought. Niccolò Machiavelli's works on the theory and practice of statecraft are classics, but Viroli sugggests that his greatest accomplishment is his robust philosophy of life -- his deep beliefs about how one should conduct oneself as a modern citizen in a republic, as a responsible family member, as a good person. On these subjects Machiavelli wrote no books: the text of his philosophy is his life itself, a life that was filled with paradox, uncertainty, and tragic drama.



Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian


About the Author
Maurizio Viroli has written many works on political philosophy, most notably Machiavelli. A professor of politics at Princeton University, he lives in Princeton, New Jersey, and Forli, Italy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"In Niccolo's Smile, Maurizio Viroli brings to life the fascinating writer who was the founder of modern political thought. Niccolo Machiavelli's works on the theory and practice of statecraft are classics, but Viroli suggests that his greatest accomplishment is his robust philosophy of life - his deep beliefs about how one should conduct oneself as a modern citizen in a republic, as a responsible family member, as a good person. On these subjects Machiavelli wrote no books; the text of his philosophy is his life itself, a life that was filled with paradox, uncertainty, and tragic drama."--BOOK JACKET.

FROM THE CRITICS

Alexander Stille

A welcome antidote to the clichéd image of self-interested knavery for which [Machiavelli] has become known . . . —The New York Times Book Review

Mark Lilla

Elegant and accessible . . . gracefulness has not been lost in Antony Shugaar￯﾿ﾽs excellent translation . . . —The Washington Post Book World

Library Journal

Viroli (politics, Princeton Univ.; For Love of Country) has written a sympathetic biography of Machiavelli, who, according to the author, saw his writings misunderstood in his lifetime and his reputation darkened by ignorance. Machiavelli's lifelong passion was politics. He was fascinated by how states came to be organized and how they could be protected by the intelligence of their rulers and the superiority of their armies. He did not believe in power for power's sake as much as he believed that effective political institutions were necessary for the safety and well-being of the people and that only a strong state could protect its citizenry. Machiavelli lived in a fragmented Italy that had become the prize in a series of wars between France and the Holy Roman Empire, and the author argues that he must be judged against this background; he hoped to inspire a savior who could free Italy from both foreign powers. This book, which assumes some knowledge of Italian Renaissance history, will be of interest to students and scholars of politics and Italian history. Recommended for academic libraries. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/00.]--Robert J. Andrews, Duluth P.L., MN Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

In this biography of Machiavelli, Viroli (politics, Princeton University) presents a portrait of the life and the work of the founder of modern political thought. He traces Machiavelli's career from his rapid rise in Florence's diplomatic corps, to his imprisonment and exile, to the composition of his most influential works amidst invasions he had worked to avoid. This life, Viroli suggests, offers the keys to understanding Machiavelli's philosophy on topics even where he wrote no books, including the role of the citizen, family life, and personal morality. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Kirkus Reviews

A chronicle of how Machiavelli's unforgiving and complex view towards politics and leadership coexisted with an unusual generosity of spirit.