A commentary on Titus Livius's (Livy's) work on Roman History The Discourses on Livy is Niccolo Machiavelli's examination of the structure and benefit of the republic. Considered the most important work on the subject of republicanism in the early modern era The Discourses on Livy are comprised of three books. In the first book Machiavelli discusses the internal structure of a republic. In the second book he discusses matters of warfare and in the third his attention is turned to matters of individual leadership. An important work of political history and philosophy The Discourses on Livy are a must read for any student of political science.