Procacci interprete di Machiavelli

The aim of this essay is to delineate the main and most significant features of Procacci’s interpretation of Machiavelli: first, his intentional disengagement from certain ideological readings of the Secretary’s works which were widespread in Italy in the period between WWI and the Fascist era. Second, his reevaluation of the unity of Machiavelli’s thought, against the traditional and out-of-date contrast between The Prince and the Discourses on Livy. Third, his portrait of Machiavelli as a key author in modern culture and civilization. Within this framework, this essay also intends to highlight some characteristics of Procacci’s approach which, in light of the recent scholarship on Machiavelli and on Humanistic and Renaissance thought, now appear as shortcomings.