Since his death in 1527 we have never ceased to read Machiavelli to pull ourselves out of torpors. But what do we really know about this man apart from the term invented by his detractors to refer that political evil, Machiavellianism? Machiavelli meditates profoundly on the idea of popular sovereignty, because the people know best who oppresses them. With verve and a delightful erudition, Patrick Boucheron sheds light on the life and works of this unclassifiable visionary, illustrating how we can continue to use him as a guide in times of crisis.