Two generations of students inspired by Harvey Mansfield come together here to demonstrate how their diverse approaches illuminate the topic of the arts of rule and speak to the wide scope of Mansfields contributions. The essays collected here cover both ancient and modern ground. The first section covers topics such as Xenophons question of what it is to be a gentleman Aristotles view of friendship Montaignes account of the highest good and Montesquieus elevation of modesty. The second section engages Machiavellis political theory and its influence on subsequent thinkers such as Bacon Hobbes and Hume. Authors in the third section examine the sources conditions and practices of freedom in the context of modern politics drawing on writers from Shakespeare to Tocqueville to shed light on contemporary debates. The arts of rule cover the exercise of power by princes and popular sovereigns but they range beyond the domain of government itself extending to civil associations political parties and religious institutions. Artful rule both directs the use of authority toward a specific end and posits a more comprehensive vision of the best way of life for human beings. Making full use of political philosophy and benefiting from a range of backgrounds this collection recognizes that although the arts of rule are comprehensive the best government is a limited one.