SOURCE: Introduction to Maxims and Reflections of a Renaissance Statesman (Ricordi), by Francesco Guicciardini, translated by Mario Domandi, Harper Torchbooks, 1965, pp. 7-32.

In the following essay, Rubinstein provides an overview of Guicciardini's eighteen-year endeavor known as the Ricordi, and points out the differences in Guicciardini's work from that of his contemporary and colleague, Machiavelli.

I

In the history of Renaissance thought, Guicciardini's Ricordi occupy a place of singular importance. Few works of the sixteenth century allow us so penetrating an insight into the views and sentiments of its author as these reflexions of the great Italian historian, written down over a period of eighteen years. Like Machiavelli's Prince, the Ricordi form one of the outstanding documents of a time of crisis and transition; but unlike the Prince, they range over a wide field of private as well as public life. In doing so, they reveal the man as...