Machiavelli was born at Florence on 3rd May 1469. He was the second son of Bernardo di Nicolo Machiavelli; a lawyer of some repute; and of Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli; his wife. Both parents were members of the old Florentine nobility. His life falls naturally into three periods; each of which singularly enough constitutes a distinct and important era in the history of Florence. His youth was concurrent with the greatness of Florence as an Italian power under the guidance of Lorenzo de' Medici; Il Magnifico. The downfall of the Medici in Florence occurred in 1494; in which year Machiavelli entered the public service. During his official career Florence was free under the government of a Republic; which lasted until 1512; when the Medici returned to power; and Machiavelli lost his office. The Medici again ruled Florence from 1512 until 1527; when they were once more driven out. This was the period of Machiavelli's literary activity and increasing influence; but he died; within a few weeks of the expulsion of the Medici; on 22nd June 1527; in his fifty-eighth year; without having regained office. The Art of War was the work Machiavelli considered his most important; one that lays out military strategy and objectives in order to secure victory. As Voltaire put it; "Machiavelli taught Europe the art of war; it had long been practiced; without being known."
#121392 in Books 2016-10-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.26 x 1.04 x 6.26l; .0 #File Name: 1493019244288 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. General and horse: a mutual understandingBy PapiOutstanding volume with vast insight into the amount of care required to maintain a mount in sustained warfare. The understanding of the mutual needs of the General and his mount is presented clearly.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Story of a great heroBy Kay FisherI ordered this book for my brother who was quite delighted! Great story about a great horse.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Horse and His ManBy Amanda WarrenThis book delves deeply into the story of Little Sorrel and his celebrated rider; but it also speaks for all of the horses that served faithfully--and suffered mightily--during the Civil War. May we not forget these noble animals; especially as voices clamor to remove monuments; many conspicuously featuring a warrior's mount. Before destroying them; let us reflect that never again will we ever erect equestrian statues. Once gone; they will be gone forever.As to Jackson; the author does an excellent service of setting the record straight on all things equine. The oft-repeated depiction of Jackson's deplorable riding posture and manner is so expertly debunked; that the reader is left feeling much like Jackson's subordinate Richard Ewell; who first pronounced his commander "crazy as a March hare;" then retracted it upon discovering the method in Jackson's madness! True; Jackson did not ride like others of his era; but we learn that his technique was anything but inept and in fact evolved from his boyhood days at Jackson's Mill and his wartime service in Mexico. Another myth shattered: Little Sorrel did not march in Jackson's funeral procession. The reader will appreciate many more instances of clarifying the record; thanks to the author's meticulous and heartfelt research.The author provides a fascinating theory of Little Sorrel's ancestry; along with eerie coincidences linking his origin with officers who appear from time to time in his Civil War story; particularly at the capture of Harper's Ferry and his gracious return to Jackson's widow after capture during Stoneman's North Carolina raid in April 1865. From this study; we gain a renewed appreciation of Little Sorrel's superlative qualities; including his unique pacing; remarkable endurance; and longevity. During his postwar days; Little Sorrel came to symbolize the scrappiness of the Southern soldier; and would prance animatedly at artillery salutes and martial music; especially "Dixie."This book weaves a wonderful tale of a remarkable animal and his contribution to the Jackson legend. Highly recommended!
