Machiavelli and Mystery of StateThis book studies the intersection of sacred and secular conceptions of kingship in the Renaissance. The book documents in detail six instances of the attempt to connect Machiavelli's thought to an ancient and secret tradition of political counsel, the arcana imperii, or mysteries of state. The ways in which Renaissance writers attempted such a connection varied widely. In addition to carefully analyzing these arguments, the book documents patterns in their dissemination. Through his connection with mysteries of state, Machiavelli influenced not only Renaissance political ideas, but the transmission of these ideas. Machiavellian politics was a secret art; its vehicles, frequently secret books; and its authors and readers, sharers in a mystery. |
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Alberico Gentili Ammirato ancient Antichrist Apologie appears arcana imperii Aristotle association attempt Bible biblical Bodin chapter chiavelli Christ Christian church cited claim Clapmar Coups d'état Cromwell Cromwell's deception defend Disc Discorsi discussion dissimulation divine doctrine edition England English esprit Essex evil example fact flagitia Gabriel Naudé Gardiner Gardiner's Gentili Henry VIII Henry's hidden human idea Il Principe imitatio imitatio dei imitation Italian iura dominationis kind king London Machiavelli Machiavelli's text Machiavellian Treatise Machiavellism Machon magic matter moral Moses mystery nature Naudé Niccolò Machiavelli obedience passage Philip Pole Pole's political preface prince Principe printer prophet published quod ragion di stato Ragionamento reason reference regard Reginald Pole religion religious revealed role Rome Rosello royal rule sacred kingship Satan Scioppius secret simulacra sophismata spirit Stephano Stephen Gardiner sunt Surreptitious Printing Tacitus term things Thomas Thomas Cromwell thought tradition virtue Wolfe Wolfe's write