Summary of John P. McCormick's Reading Machiavelli

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

Book Preview: #1 Machiavelli's use of Borgia is a puzzle for interpreters of The Prince.

Those who denounced the scandalous quality of Machiavelli's book argued that the laudatory presentation of Borgia proved that he cared little for piety, morality, good government, or basic decency.#2 Machiavelli argues that the people are the greatest authority in a state, and he believes that they should be the ones who decide who holds power.

He associates himself with Cesare Borgia, who was called Duke Valentino by the people, and with the common people as a class.#3 The people are fascinated by appearances and outcomes, but since in the world abide none but the vulgar, appearances and outcomes may be all that count in the end.

While this may be taken as a criticism of the people's shallowness, it actually affirms their validity.#4 The Italian tradition, represented by Dante, recognizes the Roman Caesars as the heirs of Alexander.

The question of whether Cesare Borgia is capable of maintaining and building upon the foundations he inherits from his Alexander is central to The Prince.