"In the only full-length interpretive study of Machiavelli's Discourses on Livy, Harvey C. Mansfield provides a chapter-by-chapter commentary of this controversial and ambiguous work. Mansfield argues that Machiavelli's new modes and orders were intended to undermine the classical and Christian foundations of political philosophy and establish a new foundation not only for modern political philosophy, but for modern politics as well." "This study, wrought by one of Machiavelli's interpreters, uncovers the hidden intricacies of the Discourses. It will inform and challenge its readers at every step."--BOOK JACKET.