Machiavelli, Niccolo di Bernardo dei. Born in 1469. Florentine writer and statesman. Son of a jurist of good family. As secretary of state at Florence (1498-1512), went on several important missions, but was deprived and exiled in the latter year by the Medici. His chief works were "Il Principe" (The Prince), Istorie Fiorentine," "Arte della Guerra," some comedies and poems, and "Discorsi sulle Deche di Tito Livio." In 1521, he again took part in affairs for a short time, but died in poverty a few years later in 1527.

---