Giuseppe Prezzolini offers a masterful and comprehensive biography of one of history's most influential and controversial political thinkers, Niccolò Machiavelli. This work delves deep into the life of the Florentine statesman, exploring his experiences, his political environment in Renaissance Italy, and the intellectual origins of his seminal works, including 'The Prince.' Prezzolini meticulously separates the man from the myth, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of Machiavelli's true character, his motivations, and his lasting impact on political philosophy. It is an essential read for anyone interested in history, politics, and the complexities of power.