Machiavelli
READING LIST

Machiavelli The Best 5 Books to Read

Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian philosopher, historian, and writer who lived from 1469 to 1527. During his lifetime, Machiavelli served as a government official in the Republic of Florence, where he was responsible for diplomacy and military affairs.

Often associated with the concept of realpolitik — the pursuit of power through practical and pragmatic means, rather than through ideology or moral principles — Machiavelli’s ideas have been highly influential (and controversial) in political philosophy and beyond.

Machiavelli is perceived to be interested more in what it means to be an ‘effective’ rather than ‘good’ ruler, arguing that those in power should be willing to use any means necessary to maintain their rule, even if that means resorting to deceit, coercion, and violence.

This reading list consists of the best books on and by Machiavelli. After reading it, you’ll understand exactly why his political ideas remain so discussed — and whether his rather sinister reputation is deserved. Let’s dive in!

1. Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction, by Quentin Skinner

Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction, by Quentin Skinner

Quentin Skinner’s Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction is a fantastic place to start for anyone with a budding interest in Machiavelli. Widely considered to be the best short introduction to Machiavelli, Skinner does an admirable job in providing an illuminating overview of Machiavelli’s life – which includes meetings with kings, the pope, and the Holy Roman Emperor – as well as his most important ideas. Skinner also provides helpful background to contextualize Machiavelli’s work, and makes clear why his influence continues to be so enduring. Coming in at an accessible 144 pages, this is a very nice entry point to Machiavelli.

2. Machiavelli: A Biography, by Miles Unger

Machiavelli: A Biography, by Miles Unger

If you’re seeking to dive a little deeper with your Machiavelli scholarship, look no further than Miles Unger’s Machiavelli: A Biography, first published in 2011. Unger brings to life the tumultuous events that shaped Machiavelli as a thinker. He argues that, beyond the sinister caricature, the real Machiavelli was a highly compassionate and insightful writer who simply developed his controversial ideas in response to the corrupt and violent conditions he witnessed. With its 424 pages packed full of insight, this book is a brilliant accompaniment for those seeking a deeper understanding of Machiavelli’s thought.

3. The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli

The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli

Turning from introductions to primary texts, where better to start than with the text that cemented Machiavelli’s name into world history? Machiavelli’s The Prince concisely outlines the amoral pragmatism of the realpolitik so associated with his name, and shocked Europe on its publication in the 16th century. Writing with crisp and flowing prose, Machiavelli advises rulers on the ruthless tactics they must use to gain and maintain power. A short but staggeringly influential work, Machiavelli’s The Prince is essential reading for any serious student of political philosophy.

4. Discourses on Livy, by Niccolò Machiavelli

Discourses on Livy, by Niccolò Machiavelli

While The Prince is Machiavelli’s most famous work, Discourses on Livy is just as important if you’re seeking a complete picture of his political philosophy. In this sharp and enlightening work, originally published in 1531, Machiavelli compares the statecraft of the ancient Romans with that of his contemporaries. Ultimately arguing for a republican political system, Machiavelli discusses everything from what makes a healthy political body to the nature and use of conspiracies. A brilliant guide to state building, this book belongs on the bookshelf of anyone interested in Machiavelli.

5. The Portable Machiavelli, by Niccolò Machiavelli

The Portable Machiavelli, by Niccolò Machiavelli

Though the two previous books are his best-known works today, Machiavelli wrote profusely over his lifetime, and his output included essays, histories, and even literary works. The Portable Machiavelli is a Machiavellian anthology including the complete texts of The Prince, Belfagor, Castruccio Castracani, a play called The Mandrake, as well as an abridged version of Discourses on Livy, seven private letters, and selected passages from The Art of War and The History of Florence. Helpful contextual introductions and notes are provided throughout by translators and editors Peter Bondanella and Mark Musa, making this a lovely addition for serious Machiavelli students.

Further reading

Are there any other books you think should be on this list? Let us know via email or drop us a message on Twitter or Instagram.

In the meantime, why not explore more of our reading lists on the best philosophy books:

philosophy bookshop
READING LISTS

View All Reading Lists

Essential Philosophy Books by Subject

Philosophy Break

COMING SOON


COURSE & COMMUNITY

Philosophies for Living: the Ultimate Guide to Enriching Your Personal Philosophy

Enhance your approach to life by exploring 7 of the world’s wisest and most influential philosophies for living — including Stoicism, Buddhism, and Existentialism. Register your interest now:

Stay notified on when the course is ready and secure a launch discount.

★★★★★ (50+ reviews for our courses)

NEW!


6-DAY COURSE

NEW!

6-DAY COURSE

Your Myth-Busting Guide to Nietzsche & His 5 Greatest Ideas

Introduction to Nietzsche

Learn everything you need to know about Nietzsche in just six 30-minute daily chapters. This course distills his best and most misunderstood ideas, from God is dead to the Übermensch.

★★★★★ (12 reviews)

Learn More about Course
Introduction to Nietzsche

Latest Course Reviews:

★★★★★  Amazing

This course is amazing! You can agree or not with Nietzsche’s views, but the professionalism, the methodology, the clarity, and deepness of the investigation is really comprehensive. I totally advise philosophy fans to do this course.

VERIFIED BUYER

  Elsa V. on 6 December 2022

★★★★★  Very informative

Very good and informative. Written with easy and comprehensible language. Enjoyed throughout - every line of the course was a delight. Keep doing what you're doing!

VERIFIED BUYER

  Milad A. on 24 November 2022

★★★★★  Excellent

The course was interesting and challenging and exceeded my expectations. The content was excellent, stimulating, and well written. A lot of depth was shared on each topic. There is much to learn from this great thinker. Thank you for the opportunities.

VERIFIED BUYER

  Robert J. on 19 July 2022

See All Course Reviews

Life's Big Questions

Latest Course Reviews:

★★★★★  Great intro

A great overview and motivating for further study. Course delivery worked great - one-a-day was just right and I was left excited for the next day's delivery. I liked the way the context was set and particularly liked the fact that guidance was given - major topics, easy explanation of each. Overall a great intro to get started and I particularly appreciate the recommended reading lists for each, too.

VERIFIED BUYER

  Antony H. on 4 June 2023

★★★★★  Great

The course is a very well-written, interesting overview of the main ideas in philosophy. It’s a concise, yet not superficial, exploration of the big questions, written in a way that challenges you to reframe your understanding on life. My favorite chapter was the Descartes and Matrix one (#2?). Thanks for this - it was great!

VERIFIED BUYER

  Terence B. on 10 March 2023

★★★★★  Endlessly fascinating

Awesome, endlessly fascinating course experience. The content was very interesting and easy to understand, and made me want to dive deeper into the topics. My favorite chapter was chapter 5: 'How should we approach life?'. It was so fascinating that after reading it I was reflecting for like 2 hours!

VERIFIED BUYER

  Alex K. on 18 December 2022

See All Course Reviews

Latest Breaks

Each philosophy break takes only a few minutes to read, and is crafted to expand your mind and spark your curiosity.

Monte Civetta, by Elijah Walton (1867)
The Buddha in Bhutan
Landscape of Ancient Greece, by Pierre Henri de Valenciennes
The Garden of Epicurus

View All Breaks

START LEARNING

Discover exactly what philosophy is and how it can improve your life with just 1 email per day for 3 days

Philosophy Basics

What is philosophy? Why is it important? How can it improve your life? Discover the answers to all these questions and more with our free, 3-lesson introductory email course:

★★★★★ (50+ reviews for our courses). Unsubscribe any time.

Philosophy Basics