As a young Florentine envoy to the courts of France and the Italian principalities, Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) was able to observe firsthand the lives of people strongly united under one powerful ruler. His fascination with that political rarity and his intense desire to see the Medici family assume a similar role in Italy provided the foundation for his “primer for princes.” In this classic … classic guide to acquiring and maintaining political power, Machiavelli used a rational approach to advise prospective rulers, developing logical arguments and alternatives for a number of potential problems, among them governing hereditary monarchies, dealing with colonies and the treatment of conquered peoples. Refreshing in its directness, yet often disturbing in its cold practicality, The Prince sets down a frighteningly pragmatic formula for political fortune. Starkly relevant to the political upheavals of the 20th century, this calculating prescription for power remains today, nearly 500 years after it was written, a timely and startling lesson in the practice of autocratic rule that continues to be much read and studied by students, scholars and general readers as well.
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When I first read this book years ago in my civics class it really brought home to me the way politics and politicians shape our lives. To me the book it is a practical guide for a ruler née politician that is as relevant now as it was hundreds of years ago. In this climate of change in the political arena in our country this book is still …
A fascinating observation of human nature with regard to those who rule and those who are ruled. Human nature hasn’t changed in the course of history. These treatise is a must read for any fantasy reader worth their salt to create believable characters with genuine motivations.
The classic analysis of realpolitik, easily understood by modern readers. If you’ve wanted to understand political theory but were repelled by the jargon and multi-syllabic words, this is the introduction for you.
The Prince explains the do’s and don’ts of a Conqueror pertaining to the regions, principalities, and people. Then it goes on to tell the true story of a successful leader. Very interesting .
I wouldn’t call this book enjoyable, by a long stretch. It’s basically a primer that instructs people in power in the often nasty art of manipulation. It’s termed good leadership here, but manipulation is all it really is.
I also, as a Christian, was turned off by the decidedly humanist tone of the book. The author doesn’t deny God’s existence, …
An absolutely fantastic read! I love the insights into human responses and behavioral observations. Manipulation. I really recommend this! A must read!
The master political strategist’s classic that was either meant to be an instruction manual or a satire (jury is still out). Of course, the quality of a book like this really depends on the quality of the translation, annotations, and notes, so choose wisely.
Everything you think is new about politics, Machiavelli wrote about 500 years ago.
More practical than you’ve been made to believe.
Written to help to lead with troops, it turned out to be also good for people management.
Read to understand man’s true nature.
I’ve read this several times over the years, and I always take away something new from it in my understanding of how the world works.
“Old Nik” as he is referred to in many circles wrote the definitive work on political science. It is base on Cesar Borgia Son of Pope Alexander. This and his work the Art of War should be mandatory reading for every military officer and politician.
I read this in high school (more than 50 years ago). I understand that some people believe that it is a realistic account of the requirements of leadership. I, and others, believe that it is a revealing account of the ruthless desire for absolute power–such as our current president wants/believes he has.
A must-read for any poli-sci student. There are several versions of this book, have certain prefaces by whoever translated the original. Machiavelli also wrote ‘Discourses on Livy’ and ‘The Art of War’ (not to be confused with Sun-Tzu’s “The Art of War’) and I mention these and the various translations (1560, 1640, and others) in the notion of …
High I.Q. oriented
Renaissance classic studied by political scientists, historians, theologians, and dictators. Requires close reading but worth it.
It’s cold relevancy is unnerving.
love this whole series!
“Eleanor.”
Kingsley was free. No hands held him. No mouth kissed him. He stood against the tree, alone, untouched. Bewildered, he stared at Søren, who stood five feet away from him, panting. Søren raised his hand and wiped a drop of blood off the side of his mouth.
“Mais…” Kingsley protested.
Søren lowered his hand.
“You said my safe word.”
…