Search Results: the florentine historie written in by machiavelli niccolo

London: Printed by T[homas] C[reede] for W[illiam] P[onsonby],, 1595. Humanist historiography in Elizabethan England First edition in English of Machiavelli's longest work, a humanist account of Florence's history from its origin to the death of Lorenzo the Magnificent in 1492. Machiavelli had worked as secretary to the Republic of Florence. After the republic fell in 1512, he dedicated much of his remaining life to gaining the favour of the new Medici rulers. In 1520, Giulio de Medici appointed him official historian, and in 1525, Machiavelli presented him with the history. In 1526, Machiavelli was rewarded with a role in the creation of a Florentine army, but in 1527, the Medici fell and he died soon after. His Florentine Historie follows the approach of prior humanist historiography. Florence's history is presented within the context of a contest between virtue and fortune. The narrative is one of corruption, decline, and fall, as party factionalism weakened the polity and the people veered from… Read More

London: Printed by T. C. [Thomas Creede] for W. P. [William Ponsonby], 1595. Rare first edition in English of this classic work. Quarto, bound in full calf, decorated with woodcut engraved ornamental title page and engraved head and tailpieces. In near fine condition with some light browning and wear, title trimmed and laid down. Translated by Thomas Bedingfeld. First editions are scarce, especially in this condition. Florentine Histories is a historical account by Italian Renaissance political philosopher and writer Niccolo Machiavelli. After the crisis of 1513, with arrests for conspiracy, torture and after being sentenced to house arrest, Machiavelli's relationship with the Medici family passively began to mend itself. If the dedication of Il Principe (1513) to Lorenzo II de' Medici had not any effect, part of the then dominant faction of the Florence was not against him, and instead granted him an appointment. In his letter he deplores of his idle state, offering his precious political… Read More