I've heard references to the 48 powers. I've read the rules over before in the past, but I never read the book. Don't know anything about Machiavelli besides the fact that he was a philosopher.
Green likes to take "historical" anecdotes to emphasize his points, his laws. That is, he takes a snippet of history, usually without greater historical context. They are entertaining if nothing else. Machiavelli's "The Prince" is actually a very thin book. They are both known for being amoral in their philosophies of power.
As it is, your game is filled with narrative mystery boxes. Lots of potential. Hope the Big Bad hiding in the shadows is worth the wait.