It helps greatly to read an annotated version. Much of the book is highly political, and without some knowledge of the time period, much of it will be lost on you.
I'd very highly recommend the W.W. Norton annotated version:
http://www.wwnorton.com/catalog/fall01/004341.htm
By far the best translation I've ever seen, and facing pages have the original Italian and notes.
I bid thee well on thy noble quest.
