What does the word "Machiavellian" mean to you? For many, thoughts of the dark side of power, cold-blooded politicians, and coolly practical (possibly amoral) leaders come to mind. But does today's image of Machiavelli actually resemble the historical figure? In these 24 enlightening lectures, you'll go beyond the legend of Machiavelli and delve deeply into his life, beliefs, and writings. Your guide on this journey is Professor William R. Cook, the Distinguished Teaching Professor of History at the State University of New York.

To present a complete and well-rounded picture of Machiavelli's ideas on how human societies should be organized and governed, Professor Cook sets aside much of Machiavelli's written output to focus on The Prince, the Discourses, and, more briefly, his Florentine Histories.

But long before he turns to the works themselves, you'll have learned about Florence and its political history, both before and during Machiavelli's lifetime; the developing Renaissance culture of Machiavelli's time, especially as it bears on the use of ancient political thought by writers and political leaders; and Machiavelli's own life story, including his education, service to the Florentine Republic, years spent in exile south of Florence, and the ways each period of his life affected his writings.

The result is a thorough grounding in the information one needs to understand and appreciate this stunningly original thinker.