Study Guide to The Prince and Other Works by Niccolo Machiavelli

Book excerpt: A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for selected works by notable Italian poet Niccolo Machiavelli. Titles in this study guide include The Prince, Discourses on the First Ten Books of Titus Livius, Mandragola, The History of Florence, and The Art of War. As a poet of the Renaissance, Machiavelli is known for critiquing and discussing philosophy and human behavior. Moreover, his controversial political philosophy influenced what would become twentieth-century communism. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Machiavelli’s classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons they have stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains: - Introductions to the Author and the Work - Character Summaries - Plot Guides - Section and Chapter Overviews - Test Essay and Study Q&As The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.