by Vickie B. Sullivan
Ithaca, N.Y.: Northern Illinois University Press / Cornell University Press, 2019.. Pp. xii, 240.
Notes, biblio., index. $27.95 paper. ISBN: 1501747843
Machiavelli’s Visions of Rome
In Machiavelli’s Three Romes, Professor Vickie B. Sullivan explores Niccolò Machiavelli’s ideas by linking them with his three distinct visions of Rome: the Catholic Rome of his own age, pre-Christian ancient Rome, and a vision of a future Rome that secures human happiness. In the initial chapters, she explores Machiavelli’s disdain for the Catholic Church and its political power in his lifetime (1469-1527). She highlights his anger at the contemporary Church’s corruption, its hindrance of the unification of Italy, and its value system, which Machiavelli sees as contributing to a dangerous combination of idleness, humility, and ambition. In the next section of the book, focusing on pre-Christian Rome, Professor Sullivan describes how Machiavelli’s reverence for the Roman Republic is tempered by a recognition that its values and political behavior contributed to its downfall, first succumbing to the rule of the emperors and then to Christianity. She also characterizes Machiavelli’s reasoning about why he venerates Rome as a model, together with his explicit reasons for dismissing both ancient Sparta and medieval Venice as alternatives.
In the concluding section, Professor Sullivan provides insights on Machiavelli’s idealized vision of a future state—a “new Rome” that integrates the best features from multiple polities, and eschews religion altogether.
Throughout the book, Professor Sullivan’s writing style is inviting and accessible. Her treatment of the subject evinces a tremendous knowledge of not only Machiavelli’s works, but also of writers who have analyzed and critiqued his ideas. Moreover, her book is well-organized, ensuring that the reader can readily follow her argument. Those with an interest in Machiavelli are likely to enjoy Machiavelli's Three Romes.