Machiavellism: The Doctrine of Raison d'Etat and Its Place in Modern History

by Friedrich Meinecke (Editor)

Overview

Here is a study, by a recognized master in the field of intellectual history, of the challenge put by Machiavelli to the idea that there is a universal moral law governing human behavior. Should the political leader act according to the maxim of "my country right or wrong," or should elites follow the principle of "let justice be done?" Friederich Meinecke, an acknowledged founder of cultural history as a field, follows the discussion of this theme from Machiavelli through such major figures as Richelieu, Frederick the Great, and Hegel, and presents conclusions of enduring significance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781560009702
Publisher:	Transaction Publishers
Publication date:	01/30/1997
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	487
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Dedication, EDITOR'S PREFACE, EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION, INTRODUCTION, Book One THE AGE OF NASCENT ABSOLUTISM, Book Two THE AGE OF MATURE ABSOLUTISM, Book Three MACHIAVELLISM, IDEALISM AND HISTORICISM IN RECENT GERMAN HISTORY, INDEX

Editorial Reviews

The first major work by German diplomatic historian and philosopher Meinecke (1862-1954) to be translated into English, reprinted from the 1957 edition published by Yale University Press. He traces the 16th- century Italian's challenge to the idea that there is a universal moral law governing human behavior from his Machiavelli's time to his own. Among the major figures he considers are Richelieu, Frederick the Great, and Hegel. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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