Customer Reviews

The Prince and Other Writings (Barnes & Noble Classics)

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This book, which was expertly translated by Professor Wayne Rebhorn of the University of Texas at Austin, provides an excellent view of the seminal work of a Renaissance scholar: Niccolo Machiavelli. Professor Rebhorn also included a few of the lesser known works of Signor Machiavelli: The Letter to Francesco Vettori, The Life of Castruccio Castracani, along with selected excerpts from the Discourses on Livy.

Machiavelli's frequently quoted line, "It is better to be feared than loved," actually has a somewhat different meaning that is not always seen in modern times. " ... è molto più sicuro essere temuto che amato, quando si abbi a mancare dell'uno de' dua." "It is much safer to be feared than loved, when one has to lack either of the two." Which is my own translation.

As Professor Rebhorn mentioned in a lengthy and informative introduction, sometimes the translator is a traitor (traduttore tradire). Dr. Rebhorn went to great lengths to explain his own philosophy of translation, and his efforts to properly convey the Renaissance thoughts of Machiavelli into present day English. As a life-long student of the Italian language, I appreciated the detailed nature of Professor Rebhorn's premise to make the language of Machiavelli more understandable. Especially to those of us who are not Renaissance scholars.

"The Prince" should be required reading for all students of the Renaissance. As you will see, Machiavelli was more than a political figure. He was a great historian, diplomat, and son of the Republic of Florence.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this intriguing book.

There's not much to say. It's a great hardcover edition of a must-read for just about everyone out there. In terms of philosophical importance, the examination of this book must be included in your curriculum (be it personal or via formal education).

You can disagree with Machiavelli's take on life and politics all you like, but you have to agree that his writings are a must read for anyone even remotely interested in political philosophy.
Of course, I will never be able to read the original works (until I learn Italian), but I think the translator does a great job here. The chapter end notes are quite extensive and useful too.
Read it!

THIS BOOK WAS EXACTLY AS THE SELLER STATED...GREAT BOOK FOR A GREAT PRICE! THANK YOU!