I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to. An interesting departure from Maugham's usual fare in terms of content, but the style of writing remains as sharp as ever. Peppered with memorable quotes and his trademark sharp commentary on human nature, what makes this book interesting that instead of his usual style where he acts as narrator/dispassionate third party, here he attempts to get into the head of his main character and speaks from his point of view and that is the best part of the book. As a result, the dialogue and conversations between every character in this book have a sense of authenticity that adds great value to the book. While I can't speak for the historical accuracy I the book, judging it purely as a work of fiction and for its entertainment value, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I found Then and Now many, many years ago in my grandparents' bookcase (was a bored book-a-phile teen). Then and Now has remained in the back of my mind for some 30 years. That says something both for Maugham and for Machiavelli. I actually found the book thrilling--the intrigue of dangerous Florentine politics and dangerous possible seduction of his host's wife--kept my attention. That much of the politics Maugham details is very accurate makes the book more valuable now, although I certainly did not know that as a teenager.Just read The Swerve: How the World Became Modern (nonfiction) Stephan Greenblat. That is what refreshed my memory about Machiavelli, crooked Popes, lethal political alliances, and the Renaissance. my link textSorrell
What do You think about Then And Now (1977)?
دیروز و امروز، رمانی است که برهه ای از زندگی ماکیاولی، سیاست‌مدار و سیاست‌اندیش شهیر، را نقل می‌کند. تمرکز رمان بی‌هیچ قضاوت صریحی بر توصیف زیست ماکیاولیسیتی و مختصات کاملا انضمامی آن است. این نگاه انضمامی قضاوت‌های اخلاقی را به بطن زندگی روزمره برده و وجه عملی آنها را پیش چشم می‌آورد تا مخاطب علاوه بر گزاره‌های انتزاعی کلی، مسله را به‌شکلی ملموس نیز حس کند. و مگر وظیفه‌ی هر داستان خوبی چیزی غیر از این است؟
—Ali
Fun little historical novel about the months Niccolo Machiavelli spent in the court of Caesar Borgia, with some romantic intrigue thrown in. Minus one star because it is not at all like other SM novels that examine the human condition in such sensitive detail. However it has some witty and comic elements in addition to the politics, war and diplomacy.Italophiles will read it with buon gusto, and it certainly raises my interest in "The Prince" himself, Borgia, and humanizes Machiavelli. I understand some of the dialogue is authentic from the records of the time.
—Kezia
