The question of order inspired two of the greatest political thinkers of the Renaissance--Niccol Machiavelli and Francesco Guicciardini, whose major works on the nature of government are linked in an authoritative new translation. Political adversaries but nonetheless friends, Machiavelli and Guicciardini both reflected on ancient Rome and refined their conceptions of government with an eye to the political turmoil of their own Florence.

Based on the definitive Italian editions and including extensive explanatory notes, this new translation recreates the fascinating conflict that helped to shape the history of political thought.