The Portable Machiavelli - Classic Political Strategy Book for Leadership & Power | Perfect for Business, Politics & Personal Growth

This man is much maligned in our culture, in an unwarranted way, so as to make his name synonymous with what we would not call "toxic masculinity". But, delving further into his story, Machiavelli was not saying that his treatise was a model for HOW a man SHOULD act, but that in his observation that the described methods WORKED. He didn't necessarily place a moral value on the methods, although he describe potential downsides of utilizing them; he seems to relate them as "this works...this doesn't...this is what to expect...you make the decision how to proceed". Essentially his work on the subject matter could almost attributed as an early observational psychology text on the subject of influence and manipulation. This particular book included some interesting personal correspondence and historical background that gives additional context to his life and his works. Fairly concise, and fairly detailed when necessary. I think it lives up to its name as "The Portable Machiavelli".