Studies in Machiavellian Political Philosophy

... an unusual book that asks much of its readers as they wrestle with the intricacies of Anton’s arguments and ponder his many fascinating suggestions. But open-minded readers willing to put forth the effort will be rewarded by a captivating interpretation of Machiavelli’s Prince, among the book’s other riches. And Anton helps them along with his crisp and artful prose. 

—Devin Stauffer, University of Texas, Austin 

For many years I have profited from reading Michael Anton’s writing on the great political philosopher Machiavelli. Anton partakes of the wisdom and wit of Machiavelli’s writings with the result that even when not entirely persuaded, I found his interpretations both illuminating and amusing.

—Nathan Tarcov, University of Chicago, Co-translator of Machiavelli's Discourses 

The title of this diverse and engaging collection of thirteen essays is fully justified by the fact that they all deal, if sometimes indirectly, with the thought of Niccolò Machiavelli—its antecedents, its character, its manifold effects over time. The studies included here are learned, perceptive, and often provocative, their author being a sure-handed, witty guide through the history of modern political philosophy. Studies in Machiavellian Political Philosophy also has the additional advantage, precious because rare, of never being boring: agree or disagree, but readers will be enticed to see what comes next.

—Robert C. Bartlett, Boston College

In this impressive volume, Anton makes many—Machiavelli would say ‘infinite’—fine observations without taking his eye off the main chance: Machiavelli’s grand enterprise.

—Christopher Lynch, Missouri State University, Translator of Machiavelli's Art of War

Witty, erudite, and, on occasion, speculative in the extreme, Michael Anton’s essays on Machiavelli; on his predecessor Xenophon; and on his successors Montesquieu, Publius, and Marx, as well as his discussion of the commentaries on the Florentine penned by Leo Strauss, Harvey Mansfield, and Leo Paul de Alvarez, and his attempt to grapple with the question of Machiavelli’s contribution to the modern crisis of the West—especially, as this has come to light in California (the author’s one true love)—are provocative, stimulating, and even informative. The piece on California alone is worth the book’s price.

—Paul Rahe, Hillsdale College

Michael Anton's Studies in Machiavellian Political Philosophy is an engaging, intelligent, and sobering work...[he] does not pretend that he has discovered something that the authors he admires have not, but he elaborates the argument with a detailed discussion that adds to its strength or believability."

—Mark Blitz, Claremont Review of Books