Politics, Patriotism and Language

The volumes in the Studies in Modern European History series focus upon aspects of the political, social, economic, cultural, and religious history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present, including the political and economic integration of the continent and the resurgence of Europe following the Cold War.

Niccolò Machiavelli may not have been a cynical realist as he is often portrayed. On the contrary, this book argues that he precociously possessed the characteristics of an impassioned, sometimes misguided idealist, obsessed with the idea of Italian unification, but blinded to the practicalities of attaining that goal. William J. Landon suggests that these characteristics may help to explain his appeal to Italy's «Risorgimento» founders. This interdisciplinary volume, which also contains the first translation of a «Discourse or Dialogue Concerning our Language» since 1961, works well as a core text, or as a complement to courses in Renaissance history, literature or political science.

Auteur

The Author: William J. Landon received his Ph.D. in Italian history from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. Currently, he is lecturing in European history at Northern Kentucky University.

Résumé
"This unusual study shows Niccolò Machiavelli as something of the wistful idealist rather than merely a brutal realist. William J. Landon's book sheds exciting light on the relationship between the literary preoccupations of the Italian Renaissance and the political divisions of the Italian peninsula." (Richard Mackenney, Chair, Department of History, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom)
"This is a serious and instructive study of an important and neglected theme in Niccolò Machiavelli's thought. It is accompanied by a fine new translation of Machiavelli's 'Discorso o dialogo intorno alla nostra lingua'." (Susan Meld Shell, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, Boston College)