Review
Not even Maugham's name can bridge the gap between what his readers expect from him and what he gives them in this pedestrian novel about Machiavelli and "the Duke", Caesar Borgia. I found it incredibly dull- the affectation of parallels indicated by the title apply only to basic human values, human frailties, evidenced in a man who thought of himself first as a patriot, but who was primarily a great opportunist. Maugham draws him too as thinking himself a great lover, but there too, he was forced by circumstances beyond even his ingenuity to yield the fruit of his labors to his young protege, Piero. There is substantial mead of history here- but I have always found the conflicts of Italy's city states and protectorates difficult to follow and Maugham has not succeeded in rescuing their internal bickerings, tradings and shifting loyalties out of confusion. The story and characterizations are paper thin- even though the usually dependable Maugham craftsmanship limps. Only his name puts it in this category- there's always a market for names. (Kirkus Reviews)
Product Description
Three months in the career of the crafty politician, worldly seducer and high priest of schemers.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
