The Prince

"If one were to assign a single edition of Machiavelli's works, this most certainly would be it" -- John. P. McCormick, Professor Of Political Science, University Of Chicago "Everyone should have a copy of Machiavelli's The Prince, whose original purpose may have been to counsel Renaissance rulers in the art of statecraft but is still applicable to and, indeed, acted on by modern politicians and power-brokers" Guardian "A 16th Century handbook of wily political thinking that tells you how to get the upper hand in every conceivable situation" Mail on Sunday "How amazing, that anyone's ideas should be controversial after five centuries. Machiavelli expressed a certain attitude to power - it's a good thing, and the problem is how to get and keep it - so well that he has never become out dated" Guardian "One of most influential books ever" Mirror

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At the end of an industrious political career in conflictriven Italy, the Florentine diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli composed his masterpiece The Prince, a classic study of power and politics, and a manual of ruthlessness for any ambitious ruler. Controversial in his own time, The Prince made Machiavelli's name a byword for manipulative scheming, and had an impact on such major figures as Napoleon and Frederick the Great. It contains principles as true today as when they were first written almost five centuries ago.

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.

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.