The Artist, The Philosopher and The Warrior

Well written.

Leonardo, Machiavelli, Borgia: these 3 men were, each in their own way, extraordinary. Genius is not too strong a word (though some might balk at the idea of Cesare Borgia being included - especially after what we learn in this book of him and his father Pope Alexander VI). What Strathern calls a 'fateful collusion' was a story largely untold (as far as I can tell) before this book - and is therefore a fascinating approach. The period in view lasted only a matter of 4 or 5 years - and its complexities require much explanation and background study - but it works successfully as a piece of gripping history.This is no straightforward biography of the 3 men - it is a study of a unique cultural moment. And that is its greatest asset, but also its constant challenge. Even though we're dealing with only a few years, it is sometimes hard to keep track of all that was going on (not least because of the sheer complexity of Italian Renaissance politics - many city states, dukedoms, not to mention the intricacies of the inner-workings of the Papacy). Then, despite the book's title, the number of times the 3 men intersected was not actually that great - their meetings (never with all 3 in one room, as far as we know) are largely described from (perfectly reasonable) conjecture - although we have clear records of Machiavelli's encounters with Borgia from his own writing (e.g. regular diplomatic despatches back to Florence, and the impact of Borgia on his ground-breaking The Prince (Penguin Classics)). Yet there is no doubt that all 3 knew each other (probably pretty well) - and so the book does have a sound basis. I found at times the need to repeat, backtrack or review moments quite confusing (because the book is structured so that each of the 3 is repeatedly given focus in turn) - and was only saved by the essential chronology at the start. It would have been even better to have a summary of that timeline at the start of each chapter, just to keep the reader on track.Despite these minor gripes, I couldn't put the book down. I was enthralled from the start - and found myself hankering for more at the end. For any interested in the background to the European Reformation, this is essential reading, since the charges of corruption against the Papacy (most notably from Luther just a few years later) are given clear grounds. The escapades and ambitions of the Spanish Borgia family knew no bounds - the orgies and machinations within the walls of the Vatican were simply shameless. Strathern pulls no punches in what are at times rather lurid depictions of the goings on. More significantly, because every great work of art or writing has a context or provocation (rather than being some ethereal timeless revelation), the wonders of Leonardo's inventions, painting and imagination now make so much more sense, as does Machiavelli's political philosophy, because of this book. Then, to top it all, the account manages to convey moments of great poignancy - for example in the analysis of what probably turned Leonardo away from his work as a military engineer, and Machiavelli's enforced languishing in professional isolation on his farm once the Florentine political winds had changed.This is a well written and deeply researched book, full of gems and insights - and any book that leaves you sad to be finishing has clearly succeeded in what it set out to do.

Fantastic book. Really feels as if there, covering the lives of three of the most important figures of the time.I feel educated and entertained. Cannot recommend this enough.

An excellent read of the surprising relationship between Machiavelli, Borgia and Di Vinci that I discovered whilst reading Walter Issacson's recent biography of Di Vinci. I highly recommend both books.

Really good read!

Heavy going

Good book, thanks!

This author is often accused of being rather starry-eyed with regard to people and events, but I believe that this is simply a misunderstanding of his impetuous need to make the reader empathize with the protagonists as much as he does. During the course of researching this book Strathern has clearly reached a point of great understanding and does a marvellous job of ensuring the reader connects with the characters. If a bit of "starry eyed-ness" is the price to pay for such a captivating read then so be it.The beauty of this book is the willingness of the author to explore new areas around the immediate subject. Many books of this genre simply present a timeline of events. Others look to provide the reader with a greater picture, such as the study of contexts and motives. But here Strathern takes it one step further. He will explore WITH you not only the tangible truth, whether with regard to event or motive, but will, amongst other things, investigate the psychological state of the protagonist that would have prompted him to make such fateful decisions, or behave in such startling ways. You will find yourself following what can only be described as a barely-coherent tangent of the author who is clearly so engrossed in his subject that he's almost forgotten he's writing at all. However, as is so often the case when being party to such an expression, it's a joy to read. This may imply that the book is a chore. Luckily this is remedied. The nature of the structure of the book, i.e. the following of events from the points of view of three characters, means very often events are depicted on three separate occasions, and usually in three very different ways. This allows you to pick up any information that may have been lost on you when trying to decipher Strathern's tangents.My only criticism is the shocking number of typos that has snuck in. These are only minor slips, such as inconsistencies in Italian names: "Vitellozzo" becomes "Vitollezzo" and then back again; "though" rather than "through"; and even "he was still unable to unable to assemble his notebooks..." It doesn't much hinder the flow of the reading, if indeed you notice it at all, but eventually one does begin to think "OH GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER".

Gostei muito

Everyone is familiar with the genius of Leonardo da Vinci; most have a passing familiarity of Niccolo Machiavelli, less perhaps with Cesare Borgia - but a very few, I would warrant, know that the paths of these three important figures were, for a few tumultous months in the early 16th century, closely intertwined. Strathern details not only the political intrigue that led these giants of their time to work together, but also holds them up as examples of the "new man" that marked the beginning of the Renaissance.In the early 1500s, Italy was broken into several competing principalities and was preyed upon by its larger and more powerful neighbors, particularly France. Cesare Borgia (and his father, Pope Alexander VI) sought to create a power base for their family in the Romagna, and perhaps to make the Papacy an inherited (rather than an elected) position to be held by their family. Machiavelli and the Florence he represented had other designs: maintain the Florentine republic and protect it from the twin threats of the Pope and the French. Between these erstwhile political rivals (and sometimes collaborators) is Da Vinci, whose patronage in Florence was perhaps the result of Machiavelli's influence, and whose mechanical and engineering skills were much sought after by Borgia. The history of these three minds, their influence on events and the rapidly changing intellectual and political climate in Italy makes for fascinating reading.Beyond the interpersonal drama of these men, however, is their role as metaphor for broader changes taking place in Europe: nation states were emerging (hence the power and threat of France and the designs of Alexander VI), and the way in which people understood politics was also being reexamined. In fact, Strathern argues that much of _The Prince_ is influenced by Machiavelli's interactions with and observations of Cesare Borgia as he manipulated, bluffed and fought his way to power.It is history that reads like fiction. Thoroughy researched and skillfully written, it is a fascinating examination of a crucial point in European - and world - history. Highly recommended.

The story starts splendidly: a unique constellation.Three historical characters that still captivate our minds are being brought together: Machiavelli hands over da Vinci to Borgia, in exchange for the safeguarding of Florence. A tantalizing starting point! How will this continue?If you are really interested in this question, then put down the book after the prologue and use your imagination. That is what Strathern does. For, he does not know. At some points, the book is quite open about this: "None of Borgia's known orders, or Machiavelli's dispatches to Florence makes any mention of Leonardo." Or, "Indeed, there is no concrete evidence that Machiavelli and Leonardo met during the time they were known to have been together in Imola". Clearly, this does not make for much of a story. Hence, what follows are 400 pages of "likely's", "probably's", "must have's" and "would be's", like: "We can only speculate, but there is a strong possibility that during Machiavelli's illness, Leonardo would have looked after him". In the end, we are stuck with a non-fiction work without scholarly value and a story that dwindles to nothing. Neither fish nor fowl.

How can anyone not own this book, if he or she is interested in European history, they amazing individuals, come and work together for completely different goals. This book highlights the symbiotic relationship, between the most unlikely of geniuses of their respective fields.Ceasre Borgia, Pope's son, a former cardinal an brutal warrior, Niccolò Machiavelli, the master politician and Leonardo da Vinci, the renaissance man himself makes this a very intriguing reading.

This book is well written and very interesting. There are so many characters and stories whirling around Italy at this time in history that it’s hard to keep track. The Borgias lived in a gangland world. I think Martin Scorsese should consider making a movie about them. Leonardo is a bit of a disappointment. He had trouble completing anything. I think that he falls short when compared to Michelangelo. In the book I sense that real hero to the author was Machiavelli. The author highlights many people who were influenced by the Prince. But Borgia didn’t invent ruthlessness and leaders would be ruthless with or without The Prince. Last comment. I think author should have included a prologue that gave an overview of Europe and the world during this period.