MACHIAVELLI IN CONTEXT

In many ways, Professor Cook is a fine choice for these 24 lectures on Machiavelli. He shares detailed historical accounts of Machiavelli's background, biography, and cultural context and explains how this Renaissance thinker fits into the development of modern political thought. Cook adds power and zest to his academic credentials with his enthusiasm for his subject, and applies some of his personal experiences as well, sketching brief accounts of his own run for office. The lectures are well organized, the asides amusing. However, Cook's voice is often strident when he gets excited, and his sibilants get slushy with a mild lisp at times. Both of these qualities distract from the fine content. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]