The Diplomat of Florence

A truly fascinating account of the life and times of Niccolo Machiavelli, It's not as one might expect an entirely easy read, as there is a huge cast of characters, However Niccolo and his world shine through. I've tried and failed to read The Prince in the past, Reading his machinations, (pun intended) he comes across as much more human and less devious than the phrase machiavellian suggests.
Ther are lots of novels about the Borgias and Medici, and indeed Leonardo, but Wildman's erudite work gives a new perspective on Cesare Borgia,, Pope Alexander Vi and Julius and the attempts of the French and Spanish to control Europe.

‘Excellency, I had no expectations whatsoever.’

Niccolò Machiavelli (3 May 1469, Florence, Italy—died 21 June 1527, Florence) was an Italian Renaissance political philosopher and statesman. He was a secretary of the Florentine republic, and his most famous work, ‘The Prince’ (Il Principe), brought him a reputation as an atheist and an immoral cynic.

In this novel, Mr Wildman draws Machiavelli out of the shadows, puts some flesh on his bones and brings him to life within 15th and early 16th century Florence.

The novel opens in 1498. The Medici have been overthrown and Florence was ruled by Girolamo Savonarola until his execution in May 1498. And, in these turbulent times, Florence is weak and under threat. Niccolò Machiavelli is young, inexperienced and lacks financial influence. But his appointment as second secretary of the Florentine chancellery enables him to overcome these disadvantages. Florence is under threat, and the nature of the Florentine republic makes the decision-making process slow and difficult. In the absence of a standing army, Florence relies on mercenaries for protection, and tries to negotiate with those seeking to control central Italy.

Because my knowledge of Machiavelli centres around ‘The Prince’, I found this novel’s focus (on Machiavelli’s earlier life) interesting. I knew part of the history Mr Wildman covers but I had not previously looked at it from a Florentine perspective. Did Niccolò Machiavelli meet Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Cromwell? It is possible.

I enjoyed this novel and learned a little more about both Niccolò Machiavelli and Florence as a consequence.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I didn't know much about Machiavelli but was intrigued by the description of this book, especially the mention of the Borgia's after recently reading Samantha Morris' Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia: Brother and Sister of History's Most Vilified Family.

The book begins with Machiavelli as a young man finishing his studies and securing a role as a secretary for the Signoria of Florence.

As Machiavelli's experience increases he is given further opportunities including diplomacy trips to the court of France and eventually treat with Cesare Borgia. Throughout his life he becomes highly respected and meets some fascinating individuals like Da Vinci and Thomas Cromwell but he also makes enemies along the way.

This was a fascinating depiction of Niccolo Machiavelli and whilst I am aware it is historical fiction and parts are based on the imagination of Wildman it is clear a lot of research has been done to write this book and I found myself drawn in to the conspiracies and events Machiavelli faces.

Individuals are brought to life and I really liked Wildman's version of Da Vinci and Cesare Borgia. Da Vinci came across as a loveable character and Borgia as an insecure man using confidence to hide his fears.

My knowledge of Machiavelli prior to this book was very limited. I was aware he was a diplomat and author of 'The Prince', due to the phrase 'Machavellian' I was expecting a ruthless and sly individual. Machiavelli actually comes across as a lot more caring than the phrase indicates which was a pleasant surprise.

For anyone interested in this era I'd really recommend this book, I couldn't put it down and am looking forward to reading more from Wildman.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the advanced copy.

An excellent foray into the life of Niccolo Machiavelli, his experiences with the Borgia's, the Medici's, the King of France, Da Vinci, and many others. One of my favorite reads of the year!
The author makes Machiavelli seem much more human than you get the impression from in his "The Prince".
Wildman also really fleshes out his characters, the settings, and the plot, so you feel like you are actually present as the action takes place. I was seriously impressed, and found myself wishing that the book would go on much longer.
As I said earlier, definitely one of the best books that I have read this year (and there have been over 120 of them)! You won't go wrong with selecting this book to read!

My review of "The Diplomat of Florence" appeared on Ricochet.com January 31, 2021.

It can be seen at:

https://ricochet.com/882272/a-novel-about-the-author-of-the-prince/

By reading this book I have realized how little I know about the history of Italy. A well-researched book with buckets full of information.
My head is spinning from all the names and I got somewhat confused by all of that but to no fault of the author.
This book will be a permanent fixture on my shelf.

A wonderful historical snapshot of the life of Niccolo Machiavelli. This is a book I will want to reread, because it can be a bit of a challenge if you're rusty on your 1500's Italian history and terminology (because it's not just the family names and locations, it's the station positions and titles).

It kicks off with the rise of Savonarola, and the formation of what Niccolo perceives to be a cult following. Shortly after, we see the Medici leader overthrown, and the entire region in chaos. It's an interesting place to begin, because you see a young Niccolo who, at that time, is merely spewing random commentary about the state of things with his school friends. He never considers himself even remotely likely to take up a place in government, since that is an unpaid occupation and his family is not wealthy enough for him to go without a source of income.

Following this character through their growth and progression, as filled in with logical conclusions by the author, is an enchanting experience if you already enjoy Machiavelli. My only complaint is that I wouldn't have minded a few footnotes. Overall, an excellent read.

I have so enjoyed revisiting the familiar people & places of Renaissance Italy. Although I have read many books about the period, this is one of the most well-written & readable : the writer really brings the characters alive. It is a book to be savoured, not rushed, & my daily visits will be missed. It is a pity that Niccolo Machiavelli has come to be remembered for the term his name is forever associated with, he deserves better than that : indeed, he is not ‘Machiavellian’ at all! I recommend this book most highly, & will be looking for more by this author.

Anthony Wildman's The diplomat of Florence is a delightful and historically accurate novel about Machiavelli's role as a diplomat during the never ending political squabbles of the Italian Wars of the early Renaissance and his tortuous dealings with the Borgias clan and their sometimes outrageous shenanigans.
I had just finished reading Alexander Lee's magnificent biography of Machiavelli so this delicious fictional account of his life and times was just pure pleasure to read.
To be enjoyed without moderation.

Many thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date

Well researched and interesting history of Italy and Machiavelli. The was surprisingly easy to read and I enjoyed it very much.

Wonderfully written novel about the life of Niccolo Machiavelli and the early history of Italy. Many names in this book will be familiar to the reader, Savonarola, Medici and Borgia. I did not find Niccolo to be at all Machiavellian. He is a young man learning the ways of government and diplomacy. A well researched book that deserves a second read now that I am more familiar with the history of Italy.

The Diplomat of Florence is a historical fiction narrating the life of Niccolo Machiavelli, from his youth to the point where he started writing what is know now as “The Prince”. The author takes his time going through meetings with Cesare Borgia and other relevant figures of Italy’s politics of Machiavelli’s time, imagining how these moments could’ve been, and how Niccolo’s own thoughts regarding Italy’s political situation developed with each of his experiences as a diplomat.

The beginning of the book felt a bit impersonal, like the author was describing a bunch of events from a list, focused on telling rather than showing; it’s understandable, since there’s a lot to cover, even if other parts of Machiavelli’s life were left out (naturally, or else this would just be a long biography, and not a novel), but from the little I know it seemed to handle well what was important to be described or not. Some scenes felt quite long, with a lot of information, which slowed down my reading speed a lot, but everything felt carefully thought and written, and it was clear the author did a lot of research to write all this.

It did get a bit tiring to keep reading at some points, since there’s a lot of information, but I think this might’ve been a personal issue, since this isn’t the kind of book I’m used to reading. There wasn’t a sense of urgency in the plot, since it’s more like a novelized biography of a certain point in Machiavelli’s life (when Cesare Borgia was alive and strong), but the characters interacting and scheming, sending letters and making treaties, helped keep the narrative dynamic, making me curious to see how the political situation would develop.

Overall I think this was a very good book, even if I wasn't very hooked on the story - I probably read in the wrong moment, or I’m just really not the target public. I really admire all the effort into keeping things as historically accurate as possible, though, and I’d love to read more by Wildman.

I requested this book because it piqued my interest on Italian history, specifically Florence. My mother visited the city a few years ago and she speaks of Florence with bright eyes since then, dreaming about taking me to the city that is, itself, a museum. I gotta say that this book didn't disappoint my expectations, having both historical and fictional quality.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. very well written and researched and with a fascinating subject matter I highly recommend for any history lover

This is a palatable, easy read of the master game player Niccolo Machiavelli in his youth & on. To me, one of the most confusing convoluted times of that area historically in what is now Italy. It is an interesting look at the rivalries in church and state & how individuals literally had to be artful dodgers to keep from being ground up politically & figuratively. The Medicis had just been taken out of power in Florence & the Borgias ruled through Popedom in the church. Nico was witty, charming & intelligent & offered a position to run in politics. He proved his mettle time and again & elevated himself went sent with an emissary to France to deal with the King there whose favored bishop took a liking to him. He then proved he could deal with Florence's biggest threat the young warrior Cesare Borgia the Duke Valentino, when others could not, saving Florence & other areas. These men became legends first in their own time then on through history. Fair or foul, it was a dangerous time filled with dangerous people & they remained in power infamously. During this point in time would want only to be a wealthy noblewoman cloistered in a villa far away from the maddening crowd. Cesar was as fascinating as he was ruthless & ambitious. This quote from the book exemplifies him. All stories have him as tall, well built. dark & handsome with unapparelled ambition & strength. He was also as dangerous as the most poisonous viper. "‘Fortune! She is a harlot who is best tamed by a strong man between her legs.’ Borgia laughed and threw an arm around Machiavelli’s shoulders. ‘Come on, man, don’t look so glum!’" While a little tenacious due to subject & culture this is a good read & easily could put you on the path to study this period & the characters involved more in depth with other books both history & historical fantasy. The level of treachery alone is overwhelming rivaling any soap operas. Cesar lone would be a case point in multiple areas & levels as well as Niccolo.