The Prince [Paperback]

Niccolo Machiavelli (Author), Adolph Caso (Editor), Rufus Goodwin (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2003

Rufus Goodwin has made a new translation into modern English of Machiavelli's masterpiece, The Prince. Machiavelli, father of Social Sciences, continues to have relevance in our modern world, and his observations on the nature of human being and the political systems are as new today as they were during the Renaissance. In the Introduction, the adjective "Machiavellian" is analyzed.

Editorial Reviews

Review

. . .it is always refreshing to see someone placing Old Nick solidly within the framework of his times. -- Niccolò Capponi, The Journal of Military History, 69.4 (2005) 1200-1201

Apart from bringing out the "true" Machiavelli. . . Connell has done an excellent job of translating and annotating the text. --Niccolò Capponi, The Journal of Military History, 69.4 (2005) 1200-1201


"A superb translation; with an excellent, sensible introduction."--Michael Altschul, Case Western Reserve University
"Bondanella's 'Introduction' is excellent; also, the fine translation offers much for the humanity student."--Darlene J. Alberts, Ohio Dominican College
"Every leader in the third world should read this and be advised by it." --Godwin C. Duru, Ohio Dominican College

About the Author

Rufus Goodwin is a poet, novelist,translator and journalist.

Product Details

• Paperback: 146 pages
• Publisher: Dante University of America Press (May 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0937832383
• ISBN-13: 978-0937832387
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #914,625 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Prince, IMO, June 4, 2007

By 

R. S. Giolito "Elisabeth" (Santa Monica, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Prince (Paperback)

In The Prince, Machiavelli basically outlines the foundations of government as they were in Italy and the rest of Europe in the Middle Ages. While is he often criticized, the truth of the matter is that he was not creating these guidelines...he was simply outlining them. They already existed, and they had been used countless times, which is where Machiavelli draws his examples from. That is a part of what makes The Prince such a great read - every point and every suggestion or "rule" is outlined clearly and in easy language, and accompanied by a then-current example.
The Medicis were a fascinating family, and for anyone interested in their impact on Italian history and culture, this book is very informative. Machiavelli dedicated The Prince to Giuliano de' Medici, and depending on how much you know of the Medici family and their ruling practices in general, it is very interesting to note the relationship between the guidelines in this book and the history of the Medici's governmental policies.
This book provides a thorough analysis of European politics and morals during the Middle Ages. While some of the suggested guidelines may seem at first to be unethical or based on practical success, keep in mind that to understand the full meaning of the text, you must interpret it while keeping in mind a sense of the realities of the time, which have obviously changed. In keeping with our present sense of values, Machiavelli may seem cruel and ruthless, but read it and put it in the perspective of Italy in the Middle Ages. It makes for a much deeper, clearer read.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Machiavelli's The Prince, August 4, 2007

By 

Marcelo V. C. Sa (Fortaleza, CE Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Prince (Paperback)

This is an interesting book, especially for those involved in social and political issues. In some moments, Machiavelli's words shock us because he suggests some cruel and even evil means for the Prince to achieve success. However, the book's "Introduction" and the "Translator's note" warn us that these ideas were common in the Machiavelli's time (1469-1527). Some parts of the book are a little boring because they refer to several people (princes, kings, popes, etc) and facts which are unknown for the common reader (like me). Nevertheless, the general principles defended by Machiavelli in each chapter are not lost by those aspects, and we can understand them perfectly. There is one especially rich chapter, the one entitled "whether it is better to be loved than feared, or rather feared than loved". I had a great time reading it.

14 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Great book, terrible translation!, November 29, 2007

By 

David "college student" (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Prince (Paperback)

The Prince is a classic work of political science. Unfortunately, this version of the book is not suitable for serious study or anything academic. This version is from an amateur publishing outfit! If you compare it with legitimate academic translations, sometimes it's not even accurate. I had to buy another (legit) version to be able to write my college papers, just a warning.