The legacy of Nicol s Maquiavelo's 16th-century treatise on the qualities of a good ruler continues to be relevant up to this very day. This book is required reading for anybody who wishes to better understand the complex nature of power. About author(s): Nicolás Maquiavelo was an Italian diplomat and military commander. He is the author of Palabras para pronunciar sobre la provisión del dinero, Retrato de las cosas de Francia , and El arte de la guerra, among other books.