condottieri
Italian word (plural of “condottiero”) meaning mercenary military leaders or captains who commanded bands of soldiers for hire.
“a mercenary soldiery, constituted like our Italian condottieri, was of no use” (Chapter 13)
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli
The most quoted and most misunderstood book on power ever written. The ideas aren’t the barrier. The Renaissance names, the cities that have changed, and the words that have shifted since 1513 are. This edition gives you Machiavelli’s complete work in W. K. Marriott’s translation, with those barriers removed.
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What’s inside
- Glossary of well over 600 words and phrases
- Character guide covering over 160 people
- Location guide covering over 75 places
- Historic orientation
- Biographical article on Niccolò Machiavelli
- Full, unabridged text, translated by W. K. Marriott
Words from this book
ability
here translating the Italian word “virtu,” which for Machiavelli means much more than simple talent. It refers to a combination of personal skill, courage, determination, cunning, and strength of character.
“or else by fortune or by ability” (Chapter 1)
mercenaries
professional soldiers who fight for pay rather than out of loyalty to a country or cause.
“the arms with which a prince defends his state are either his own, or they are mercenaries, auxiliaries, or mixed” (Chapter 12)
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