Paul Strathern's Machiavelli in 90 Minutes, a book in his "Philosophers in 90 Minutes" series. It provides a concise biography of Niccolò Machiavelli, exploring his life in Renaissance Florence and the context that shaped his political philosophy. The excerpt details Machiavelli's observations of political machinations, particularly concerning Cesare Borgia, and how these experiences influenced his seminal work, The Prince. Strathern analyses The Prince, highlighting its core arguments about power, virtù, and fortune, while contrasting it with Machiavelli's other writings and exploring the enduring impact and misinterpretations of his ideas. The book also includes a chronology of Machiavelli's life and significant philosophical dates, along with suggested further reading.