The Throne
Published on 6. November 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
978-1-78770-582-1 (ISBN)
Description
Machiavelli is famous the world over, but who was he before he penned The Prince?
It's October 1502, and the powerful Cesare Borgia is preparing to invade the Florentine Republic. Niccolo Machiavelli, an official of the Republic, is sent to Borgia's court to spy on him. 33 years old, he has a nice pen but he's not famous. He cheats on his wife avidly, and he's deeply in debt. He's seen as trusted and useful, but he's kept on the sidelines.
A complex relationship slowly forms between Machiavelli and Borgia. The Duke needs someone to write his biography to respond to the many "slanders" circulating about him and he chooses Niccolo to do it. Machiavelli not only gains wider access to Borgia's secrets, but also those of Dianora Mambelli, a young woman forced by the Borgias to stay by his side...
Listening to the Duke's reflections and discovering the hidden truths that Dianora reveals transforms Machiavelli and grants him the insight that will allow him to become a great writer. And, ultimately, put his own life at risk.
The Prince, written years later, was published posthumously; thanks to it, the writer they all thought mediocre will prove to be a genius, and Cesare Borgia will survive forever-just as he wanted.
It's October 1502, and the powerful Cesare Borgia is preparing to invade the Florentine Republic. Niccolo Machiavelli, an official of the Republic, is sent to Borgia's court to spy on him. 33 years old, he has a nice pen but he's not famous. He cheats on his wife avidly, and he's deeply in debt. He's seen as trusted and useful, but he's kept on the sidelines.
A complex relationship slowly forms between Machiavelli and Borgia. The Duke needs someone to write his biography to respond to the many "slanders" circulating about him and he chooses Niccolo to do it. Machiavelli not only gains wider access to Borgia's secrets, but also those of Dianora Mambelli, a young woman forced by the Borgias to stay by his side...
Listening to the Duke's reflections and discovering the hidden truths that Dianora reveals transforms Machiavelli and grants him the insight that will allow him to become a great writer. And, ultimately, put his own life at risk.
The Prince, written years later, was published posthumously; thanks to it, the writer they all thought mediocre will prove to be a genius, and Cesare Borgia will survive forever-just as he wanted.
Reviews / Votes
"The first in a planned trilogy, Bernini's engrossing historical novel follows Machiavelli's trajectory through the corridors of power in 16th-century Italy." * The Washington Post * "[An] Italian historical novel for fans of Wolf Hall." * The Bookseller * "The Throne is about the complicated relationship between a biographer and their subject, something kinda meta that historical fiction rarely delves into." * Cosmopolitan * "Prose meets power in a tale of Machiavelli and Borgia. An engrossing and humane novel." * Kirkus - STARRED REVIEW * "Well researched with wonderfully vivid details, Bernini presents Machiavelli in all the complications of a life spent navigating political waters, learning to say the right thing or nothing at all, and more importantly, learning how to write about it all." * New York Journal of Books * "If you loved Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, dive into The Throne, an Italian historical novel with the same verve of a thriller while bringing the past to life." * Parade * "Machiavelli as you've never read him." * Elle (Italy) *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-78770-582-1 (9781787705821)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Franco Bernini is a scriptwriter, director, and writer. The Throne is his third novel.
Oonagh Stransky has translated a range of fiction and nonfiction writers, including Roberto Saviano, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Giuseppe Pontiggia, and Carlo Lucarelli. Her work has received important prizes and nominations. Born in Paris, Stransky grew up in the Middle East, London, and the United States and attended Mills College, Middlebury College, and Columbia University. A member of PEN American Center and the American Literary Translators Association, she currently lives in Tuscany.
Oonagh Stransky has translated a range of fiction and nonfiction writers, including Roberto Saviano, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Giuseppe Pontiggia, and Carlo Lucarelli. Her work has received important prizes and nominations. Born in Paris, Stransky grew up in the Middle East, London, and the United States and attended Mills College, Middlebury College, and Columbia University. A member of PEN American Center and the American Literary Translators Association, she currently lives in Tuscany.