'Machiavellian' is a popular byword for treachery and opportunism. This book traces the colourful life of this paradoxical realist whose clear-sighted patriotism made him the first truly modern political scientist. It brings the creative turbulence of Renaissance Italy to life.

Presented as a miraculous cure-all, Tono-Bungay is in fact nothing other than a pleasant-tasting liquid with no positive effects. Nonetheless, when the young George Ponderevo is employed by his Uncle Edward to help market this ineffective medicine, he finds his life overwhelmed by its sudden success.

For this treatise on statecraft the author drew upon his own experience of office under the turbulent Florentine republic, rejecting traditional values of political theory and recognizing the complicated, transient nature of political life.

Proposes a system of government that would uphold civic freedom and security by instilling the virtues of active citizenship, and that would also encourage citizens to put the needs of the state above selfish, personal interests. Ambitious in scope, but also pragmatic, this work creates a modern theory of republic politics.

Some of the world's foremost historians of ideas consider Machiavelli's political thought in the larger context of the republican tradition.

Picture a London in the future where democracy is dead. A little government minister is made King. The boroughs are suddenly declared separate kingdoms with their own city guard, banner and gathering cry, and the capital is plunged into a strange type medieval warfare. Then Notting Hill declares its independence.. Foreword by Anthony Lejeune.