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The Mandrake

Niccolò Machiavelli · 1524

A satirical comedy by Machiavelli, published in 1524, that mocks Florentine society and the clergy through a scheme of seduction and deceit.

A comedy written by Machiavelli showing his wit and view of human cunning applied to private, non-political life.

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Title page of a 1556 printed edition of Machiavelli's comedy Mandragola. Large capitals read MANDRAGOLA COMEDIA FACETISSIMA DI M. NICOLO MACHIAVELLI FIORENTINO, followed by Nuovamente corretta & Ristampata. A woodcut of a mandrake plant with roots and leaves is centered between the text. At the bottom reads IN FIORENZA MDLVI.
Niccolò Machiavelli, Mandragola, title page of 1556 edition.

About this source

What it is

The Mandrake is a five-act comedy by Niccolò Machiavelli, published in 1524. It tells the story of a young man who schemes, with the help of a corrupt priest, to seduce the wife of an old fool desperate for a son.

Why it matters

Though it deals with private rather than political affairs, some scholars see the play's cunning and opportunism as a mirror of the ideas in Machiavelli's political treatises. Its sharp satire of Florentine society and the clergy shows Machiavelli applying his view of human nature to everyday life, not just statecraft. The play was a popular success in his own lifetime.

Look closer

  • How might the play's trickery relate to the ideas about deception and power found in Machiavelli's political writing?
  • Why might satire of the clergy have been a provocative choice for Machiavelli's time?
  • What does the play's popularity suggest about Florentine attitudes toward religion and morality?

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Title page of the 1550 Italian edition of Machiavelli's Il Principe, with the title and subtitles in black letters on aged paper, a woodcut portrait bust of a man holding a book, two oval emblems, and the date MDL at the bottom.Book

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Niccolò Machiavelli · 1513

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Letter to Francesco Vettori

Niccolò Machiavelli · 10 December 1513

Title page of an early printed book, 'Discorsi di Nicolo Machiavelli, Fiorentino, sopra la prima deca di Tito Livio', with a woodcut border showing a lion's head at top and a wolf standing on a ribbon inscribed 'DISSIMILIVM INFIDA SOCIETAS' below. Handwritten marks appear in the margins.Book

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Discourses on Livy

Niccolò Machiavelli · c. 1517, published 1531

Painting of a man with short dark hair in a black cloak with red sleeves and red collar, resting one hand on a stone ledge and holding a book in the other hand against a dark brown background.Painting

Secondary source

Portrait of Niccolò Machiavelli

Santi di Tito · late 16th century

Photograph of a handwritten manuscript page on aged, yellowed paper, showing dense cursive Italian handwriting in brown ink, with a dedicatory opening line at the top. A small embossed seal or stamp appears at the bottom center, and a faint initial is written at the lower right.Book

Primary source

Florentine Histories

Niccolò Machiavelli · commissioned 1520, presented 1526, published 1532

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