A companion website for Nico’s View of the World, a work-in-progress literary historical novel.
Amidst the intellectual ferment and volatile politics of 1490s Florence, an inconspicuous but sharp-witted young scholar finds himself an unlikely observer and sometimes participant in his birthplace’s descent into chaos, grappling with dangerous information, forbidden knowledge, the machinations of power, and the first stirrings of his own revolutionary understanding of the world.
Those few who know him call him Nico. Later, the world will know him by his full name — Niccolò Machiavelli.
Book I
A Young Man Introduced to the Liberal Arts
From youthful studies and personal misadventures in Florence, secretary Nico confronts political intrigue and radical sermons, travels to observe a royal funeral in Naples, deciphers coded messages amidst a devastating flood, and begins documenting his insights in a personal ricordi, all within the vibrant, volatile world of Renaissance Italy.
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Book II
Vendemmia
Returning from a revealing diplomatic mission in Rome and a startling encounter at a convent, Nico finds Florence consumed by the Frate’s fiery sermons and political pamphlets. While the city prepares for the on-coming dangers, Nico monitors and tries to influence the events in Italy from his family’s drought-stricken farm during grape harvest season (vendemmia) preparing for war with both weapons and words.
Book III
Catastrophe
His city gripped by political infighting and religious unrest, Secretary Nico undertakes a desperate mission to Tuscany’s rebellious subject cities, reacting to the news of brutal massacres and trying to organize fractious, incompetent leaders before the French invasion overwhelms Florence.
