The Prince

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Here is the world's most famous master plan for seizing and holding power. Astonishing in its candor "The Prince" even today remains a disturbingly realistic and prophetic work on what it takes to be a prince . . . a king . . . a president. When, in 1512, Machiavelli was removed from his post in his beloved Florence, he resolved to set down a treatise on leadership that was practical, not idealistic. . . "The Prince" . . .has become essential reading for every student of government, and is the ultimate book on power politics.

That Machiavelli's name has become synonymous with cold-eyed political calculation only heightens the intrinsic fascination of The Prince - the world's pre-eminent how-to manual on the art of getting and keeping power, and one of the literary landmarks of the Italian Renaissance. Written in a vigorous, straightforward style which reflects its author's realism, this treatise on states, statecraft, and the ideal ruler is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how human society actually works.

Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) was an Italian philosopher, writer, and politician. He was born in Florence, Italy, and lived during the height of the Italian Renaissance. Machiavelli is best known for his political treatise, "The Prince," which was published five years after his death. Machiavelli's political philosophy was grounded in the belief that a strong and effective government was essential for the survival and prosperity of a state. He believed that leaders should be willing to use any means necessary to maintain their power and ensure the stability of their government, including deception, manipulation, and violence. Between 1498 until 1512, when the Medici were no longer in charge, he served as secretary to the Second Chancery of the Republic of Florence. Despite his controversial ideas, Machiavelli's works had a significant impact on political thought and philosophy. He is often regarded as one of the founders of modern political science, and his ideas have influenced the thinking of many political leaders and thinkers throughout history. Today, Machiavelli's legacy continues to be debated, with some viewing him as a ruthless advocate of political expediency, while others see him as a champion of effective governance and strong leadership.

"This is an excellent, readable and vigorous translation of The Prince, but it is much more than simply a translation. The map, notes and guide to further reading are crisp, to-the-point and yet nicely comprehensive. The inclusion of the letter to Vettori is most welcome. But, above all, the Introduction is so gripping and lively that it has convinced me to include 'The Prince' in my syllabus for History of Western Civilization the next time that I teach it... Great price, too! And lovely printing and layout." -- Rachel Fulton, University of Chicago.
"...lively and readable and makes the pithy, bracing, and forceful aspects of Machiavelli's thought accessible to nonspecialists." -- Michael C. Downs, Indiana University.
"The best edition of The Prince that I have ever read. Wooton's translation is lively and easy to read, and his introduction is provocative and engaging." -- Angelo Louisa, University of Nebraska, Omaha.
"...readable text in vigorous prose. I have not read a translation of The Prince into English that is more lively..." -- J H Hexter, Washington University.