Niccol� Machiavelli lived in a fiercely competitive world, one where brute wealth, brazen liars and ruthless self-promoters seemed to carry off all the prizes; where the wealthy elite grew richer at the expense of their fellow citizens. In times like these, many looked to crusading religion to solve their problems, or they turned to a new breed of leaders – super-rich dynasties like the Medici or military strongmen like Cesare Borgia; upstarts from outside the old ruling classes. In the republic of Florence, Machiavelli and his contemporaries faced a choice: should they capitulate to these new princes, or fight to save the city’s democratic freedoms? ‘Be Like the Fox’ follows Machiavelli’s dramatic quest for political and human freedom through his own eyes.

Author Erica Benner Published by Penguin Books ISBN 9780141974859 EAN 9780141974859 Bic Code Cover Paperback