MACHIAVELLI

Machiavelli, a name that conjures up power, its abuse, and its perversion, comes alive in this biography. Tim Reynolds keeps the narrative flow going in spite of the complexity caused by the abbreviated nature of the work. Reynolds guides listeners through the mazes of political complexity in the world of Italian city-states. The use of simple voicing works well for the parade of characters marching through the narrative; however, some of the richness of the performance is sacrificed. Lovers of Florence and this wonderfully colorful period of European history will enjoy this depiction. It might also be good for those interested in another lens through which to view Enron, Iraq, Palestine, and a host of other contemporary disasters. M.C. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]