<div><b>A vivid portrayal of the great Italian philosopher - now in paperback</b><br><br>In Niccol&ograve;'s Smile, Maurizio Viroli brings to life the fascinating writer who was the founder of modern political thought. Niccol&ograve; Machiavelli's works on the theory and practice of statecraft are classics, but Viroli sugggests that his greatest accomplishment is his robust philosophy of life -- his deep beliefs about how one should conduct oneself as a modern citizen in a republic, as a responsible family member, as a good person. On these subjects Machiavelli wrote no books: the text of his philosophy is his life itself, a life that was filled with paradox, uncertainty, and tragic drama.<br></div> <div><b>A vivid portrayal of the great Italian philosopher - now in paperback</b><br><br>In Niccol&ograve;'s Smile, Maurizio Viroli brings to life the fascinating writer who was the founder of modern political thought. Niccol&ograve; Machiavelli's works on the theory and practice of statecraft are classics, but Viroli sugggests that his greatest accomplishment is his robust philosophy of life -- his deep beliefs about how one should conduct oneself as a modern citizen in a republic, as a responsible family member, as a good person. On these subjects Machiavelli wrote no books: the text of his philosophy is his life itself, a life that was filled with paradox, uncertainty, and tragic drama.<br></div>