My Friend Machiavelli (1469–1527). Machiavelli was the youngest non-university graduate and career diplomat to be appointed as an official in the Second Secretariat of the Florentine Republic. He devoted himself to his job with satisfaction for 14 years. However, he lost his position when he was exiled following a coup by President Soderini, who was in power for life. As a strategist, Machiavelli also lost his job. He was abandoned by the Medici family in the aftermath of the regime change. His

This is a masterpiece that reveals the experiences of Machiavelli, the author of *The Prince*—which is still widely read as a classic of political science—and how the book came to be written. It is a must-read before reading *The Prince*.

"Life is short. Love, maiden, before your red lips fade, before your hot blood cools—for there is no tomorrow." Ms. Lee, who lent me this book, said she liked this passage and handed me a small note she had jotted down on the back of an advertisement flyer when she lent it to me. (While she was enchanted by this phrase, her friend standing next to her shouted loudly, "That’s why I’m telling you, go date!" —_—;;) As I read through it over yesterday and today, yesterday I at least thought,

This book offers a calm yet profound analysis and reflection on Machiavelli—a man of the Renaissance often recognized solely for *The Prince*—allowing readers to feel as though he were a true friend. It portrays his thoughts and impressions alongside the times in an engaging and natural manner, and I highly recommend it as a work worth reading at least once.

Shiono Nanami clearly unfolds the history of the rise and fall of Italian city-states and the beginning and end of the Renaissance from her own subjective perspective. Traversing this history horizontally and vertically, her depth of vision and meticulous writing style are inevitably captivating; turning the pages with a sense of intimacy stimulates a rich imagination, making one feel as if they are standing at the very center of that era. Against the backdrop of the beautiful landscapes of

When night falls, I leave the tavern where profanity and violence run rampant, refine myself in proper attire, and enter the study. There, I receive a kind welcome from the people of old and partake of food meant only for me, food destined for my life. I converse with them without shame and often ask for the reasons behind their actions. They, too, reveal their humanity in its purest form and answer me. During this time, I feel no boredom whatsoever. I forget all anguish, I no longer fear

This book discusses Machiavelli, known to us for his fearsome philosophy that the means do not matter as long as the end is achieved, while also introducing Florence of that era. Although I could not read through it in one sitting due to my lack of knowledge regarding Italian history, through this book I saw the human side of Machiavelli rather than just that of a fearsome political philosopher, and it made me feel as though I, too, could become his friend. While it must have been a truly

The author argues that Machiavelli's *The Prince* is a product of its time and unavoidable at the time. Perhaps that is true, given that, unlike the actual content of the book, Machiavelli was never acknowledged by the powerful figures of his era for even a single moment—if one understands it solely as a means of courting them. However, while it is questionable whether the theory was even suitable for the circumstances of that era, this book is steeped in the author's inclination to defend

It is neither a novel nor an essay, nor does it tell the story by breathing in sync with Machiavelli from a "first-person observer's point of view," yet Shiono Nanami's *Machiavelli* is an easy read. The author simply tells the story as she feels at ease. According to those around me, along with *The Story of the Romans*, Shiono Nanami's books are frequently praised for their concise writing style and ease of reading. In a word, it feels light and brisk, much like a seasoned grandmother rapidly