Machiavelli's The Prince had widespread influence across Europe from its first appearance. It was translated first into French and Latin. By the 1560s it had made its way to the British Isles.
Petrina (English literature, Universit獺 di Padova, Italy)examines English translations of The Prince. She gives an analysis of eight early translations before concentrating on two. One is by
Scotsman William Fowler; the other is an anonymous English work. The Fowler is discussed against the political situation in Scotland and its relationship to Italy in the time of James VI. The
other is more enigmatic. A note on the inside binding suggests that it might have come from the library of scholar and mystic, John Dee, although that has not been proved. Petrina has carefully
transcribed both manuscripts and reproduced them, including marginalia and cross outs. Sixteenth century scholars will appreciate the meticulous work and access to these two examples of
Machiavelli rendered in English. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
