014 - Book 7 - Part 1

The Art of War (1521) is the sole work published by Niccolo Machiavelli during his lifetime, a testament to his belief in its significance as one of his greatest accomplishments. This influential text builds on themes from Machiavelli’s earlier masterpieces, “The Prince” and “Discourses,” presenting them through the insightful dialogues of a fictional military leader, Lord Fabrizio Colonna. Set against the backdrop of the serene Orti Oricellari gardens in Florence, the book aims to inspire honor and virtue, advocate for military discipline, and encourage unity among citizens while emphasizing the supremacy of the public good over private interests. Machiavelli delves into the concept of limited warfare, framing military force as an extension of political strategy, while also introducing the crucial aspect of psychological warfare. He warns that states with standing armies must take proactive measures to prevent military leaders from gaining excessive power, highlighting the risk of military coups—a concern that resonates even today. For three centuries, The Art of War served as a foundational text on military tactics until advancements in weaponry rendered its Linear Tactics outdated. This translation by Henry Neville, published in 1675, captures the essence of Machiavelli’s insights when The Art of War was still revered as a practical military guide. - Summary by Clive Catterall