The Concise 48 Laws Of Power [Import] [Paperback]

Robert Greene (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: PROFILE BOOKS; 2Rev Ed edition (June 13, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861974043
• ISBN-13: 978-1861974044
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #543,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Best-selling author and public speaker, Robert Greene was born in Los Angeles. He attended U.C. California at Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he received a degree in classical studies. He has worked in New York as an editor and writer at several magazines, including Esquire; and in Hollywood as a story developer and writer.

Greene has lived in London, Paris and Barcelona; he speaks several languages and has worked as a translator. In 1995 he was involved in the planning and creation of the art school Fabrica, outside Venice, Italy. There he met Joost Elffers, the New York book packager and discussed with him his idea for a book on power and manipulation, the ultimate modern version of Machiavelli's The Prince.
Greene and Elffers became partners and in 1998, The 48 Laws of Power was born. The book has been a national and international bestseller, and has been translated into 17 languages. In 2001, Greene's second book, The Art of Seduction, is more than a sequel to The 48 Laws; it is both a handbook on how to wield the ultimate form of power, and a detailed look at the greatest seducers in history.

The third in this highly anticipated series of books, The 33 Strategies of War, hit bookstores January 2006 and offers a strategic look behind the movements of War in application to everyday life. In addition to having a strong following within the business world and a deep following in Washington, DC, these books are also being hailed by everyone from war historians to some of the heaviest hitters in the rap world (including Jay-Z and 50 Cent).
The popularity of these books along with their vast and fiercely loyal audience proves these are profound, timeless lessons from historical leaders that still ring true in todays culture. Robert Greene currently lives in Los Angeles.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A reference book for the original volume, January 29, 2005

By 

David Witt (delaware) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Concise 48 Laws Of Power (Paperback)

This book is a slimmed down version of the original book, which I also own. It is paperback, 4.5 in X 6.5 in, and 195 pages, versus the original, which was 9 in x 6.5 in and 452 pages.

What it leaves out: All of the historical anecdotes and extensive examples of each law.

What it leaves in: The law, the Judgement (a short description), the Keys to Power (the author's direct description of the law and its consequences), the Image (a symbolic representation of the law), and the Authority (a supporting quotation). This book also has some of the stories that were printed in the margins in the original book.

I loved the original book, which typical had three or four long anecdotes, stories or historical references to illustrate each law. This book is useful as a easy-to-carry reference to the laws now that I have read the original. If, however, you really want to learn these laws, I recommend the original.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential survival kit for the naive, April 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Concise 48 Laws Of Power (Paperback)

Excellent book which is a must for everyone who are spectacular failures in all walks of life. In this book you will certainly find the answers for your failure to attain your potential .It is more than likely that you are violating one or more of these laws and / or you are not following the 48 excellent laws of Power.
The ancient wisdom is distilled in a clear and racy format which keeps your attention through out. Only regret that I did not find this book earlier. Brazenly honest book with none of the idealistic crap. A book to be lived by! for survival and beyond.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Work like a CEO or Politician, May 20, 2008

By 

George Coppedge (Czech Republic) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Concise 48 Laws Of Power (Paperback)

This is a guidebook for the ruthless careerist type. Is that you? If so, read the book. If not, beware of how they operate - read the book to avoid being a tool. It definitely DOES contain outstanding advice for dealing with people, regardless of who you are.

There is one law for each chapter. Each 3-5 page chapter states a law of power, explains it, then gives a few examples. It also tries (and fails in my opinion) to create a visual image for each law. Most of the examples are taken from Renaissance or ancient Chinese times, which most readers will have difficulty relating to. If there is a new edition, it could be vastly improved by using modern-day character examples from business or government.

The book is easily readable. The short chapters make it ideal to read when time is limited, e.g. commuting, waiting, etc. While almost all the chapters are surely relevant, it would be a bit difficult to keep all 48 in mind when confronting each situation. So, it's a bit overwhelming. Also, I think to really integrate these laws into everyday behaviors, a reader would have to practice or attend a workshop. Visually, the book is extremely dull - only 1 photo of the author. Any new edition would need serious visual re-design - fonts, colors, real images, etc.

This book is invaluable for aspiring executives. (It's probably required reading at intensely competitive schools like wharton, Harvard, etc. If not, it should be.) Having deduced many of these laws through firsthand work experience before reading this book, I absolutely agree with almost all of the laws the book states. The main caveat is that readers shouldn't expect to be able to apply every one of the 48 laws appropriately to all situations - at least not without a lot of practice!