The Prince [Hardcover]

Niccolo Machiavelli (Author), David Wootton (Author, Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0872203174 | ISBN-13: 978-0872203174 | Publication Date: March 1995

Notes, a 2-page map, an index, and an altogether remarkable Introduction by David Wootton, make this edition an ideal encounter with Machiavelli for any student of history and political theory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A 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

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian

Product Details

• Hardcover: 83 pages
• Publisher: Hackett Pub Co Inc (March 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872203174
• ISBN-13: 978-0872203174
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #676,539 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

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great translation!, February 25, 2010

By 

politicalsciencephd "politicalsciencephd" (Linden, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Prince (Paperback)

There are lots of translations of Machiavelli's The Prince out there, both in in print and online. I first came across this one in graduate school. After having read it several times since being introduced to it as an undergraduate in different forms (in anthologies, in the Portable Machiavelli, etc.), this happens to be the most accessible one. Its introduction is fairly detailed, so new readers to Political Theory may find it overwhelming, but for those who have some background it presents intriguing ideas.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Machiavelli's The Prince, March 6, 2010

By 

Steven A. Peterson (Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL)) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Prince (Paperback)

Machiavelli's work came about after the end of his diplomatic career. The contents lay out his reflections on how to rule. He includes such wisdom such as: It is better to be feared than to be loved. He notes two different types of leaders--lions and foxes, and speaks of the implications of each. As he notes in Chapter 18: "A prince must imitate the fox and the lion [and] must be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves."

There are many interpretations of this work. Is it satire, actually suggesting that a clever, nasty, feared prince is, in fact, likely to fail? Or a handbook for a leader? Or an effort to get in good graces with the powerful so that he could resume his career? Or. . .?

For the era, this is a fascinating work--especially read in juxtaposition with his Discourses. This represents a solid version of this classic work.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Rare Treasure, July 25, 2010

By 

William Dahl "On Porpoise" (Redmond, OR) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Prince (Translated and Annotated) (Kindle Edition)

Wootton's work is splendid. The Introduction amply explains his approach. Eminently readable by a broad audience. I truly enjoyed it.