Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince on The Art of Power: The New Illustrated Edition of the Renaissance Masterpiece on Leadership (The Art of Wisdom) [Hardcover]

J.W. Marriott (Translator), Cary J. Nederman (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: The Art of Wisdom | Publication Date: April 7, 2009

With a scene-setting historical introduction, this newly translated and illustrated edition of a classic work is an essential addition to any home library.

Written in 1512, The Prince is the masterpiece by Florentine political philosopher, poet, and playwright Niccolò Machiavelli. Although Machiavelli’s book has been frequently misunderstood as a manual for unprincipled manipulators and tyrants, careful reading reveals that it actually identifies freedom as an essential characteristic of a good society. In fact, much of Machiavelli’s republican thought can be identified in the American constitution, and many of his ideas—such as the belief that life is subject to change and that the winners will be those flexible enough to adapt—remain as applicable today as they were half a millennium ago.

 

 

 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Duncan Baird (April 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844838021
• ISBN-13: 978-1844838028
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #303,768 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) was born in Florence. He served the Florentine republic as a secretary and second chancellor, but was expelled from public life when the Medici family returned to power in 1512.His most famous work, The Prince, was written in an attempt to gain favour with the Medicis and return to politics.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully presented, April 28, 2011

By 

Michael Tuffin - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince on The Art of Power: The New Illustrated Edition of the Renaissance Masterpiece on Leadership (The Art of Wisdom) (Hardcover)

This is an excellent presentation of a classic work.

This version contains a solid preface, followed by the Marriott translation of the work itself and then a couple of essay appendices to provide further reflections and context. I have not read any of the other translations, but was pleased to find that even though this one was from over a century ago, it still reads quite well.

However, aside form the content itself being sound, what really struck me about this book was the presentation.
The hardcover binding is in a royal purple fabric with a sheen that gives the appearance of silk. This is pressed with textured lettering and silver detailing. The artwork consists largely of beautiful photos of relevant artworks which are scattered very liberally amongst the core content of the book. The pages are solid with every single one containing some colour, even if it is just for a fine border or faux watermark detailing. The typeset also appears to be Garamond which makes for clean presentation and easy reading.
As superficial as all of this is, it seems the people that pulled this book together wanted the presentation to frame the content well - and have succeeded.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and well written, May 23, 2011

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EZE - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince on The Art of Power: The New Illustrated Edition of the Renaissance Masterpiece on Leadership (The Art of Wisdom) (Hardcover)

This edition of "The Prince" is well written and VERY informative. The illustrations are beautiful. I won't give a review on what the book is about since it is a classic. No doubt most men in the political arena have read this and used it's knowledge to manipulate their way into power and to stay there. Especially during the industrial revolution.

It's a good read for anyone. In general it will help you understand why politics are important and why politicians don't always fulfill their promises. It covers how to govern your land or foreign lands which have been invaded. Rise to power and methods to stay in power.

This book is a hardcover edition and its beautifully bound material feels great. I guess the only downside is that it's purple. Which you know, I think it's fine but given the fact that the the title is "The Prince" some idiot might think it's about the artist/singer "Prince" who is usually associated with the color purple. Maybe it's just me being paranoid.

In conclusion here, I think this book should be required reading for High School students, that's how important I think this is.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautfiul Illustrations, December 28, 2010

By 

Sarah Vander Meulen (Chicago) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince on The Art of Power: The New Illustrated Edition of the Renaissance Masterpiece on Leadership (The Art of Wisdom) (Hardcover)

Bought this book as a Christmas gift for a political science major who often quoted it. Even though he read it in College (a tattered paperback) it was a beautiful addition to his book shelf.... its been 15 years since college and a great time to reread it in this elegant form. Absolutely a beautiful book.