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.
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. . .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<br /><br />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
"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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
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.
15 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By David
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Look - Machiavelli Versus Beccaria
The Prince by Machiavelli Versus An Essay on Crimes and Punishments by Cesare Beccaria
Two men, living hundreds of years apart, in many ways, wrote with parallel... Read more
Two men, living hundreds of years apart, in many ways, wrote with parallel... Read more
Published on June 13, 2009 by Glenda A Bixler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic that's still relevant because of what's happening today
Heard THE PRINCE by Niccolo Machiavelli, one of those books
that I've always meant to read . . . but just never got around to do so. Read more
that I've always meant to read . . . but just never got around to do so. Read more
Published on May 13, 2008 by Blaine Greenfield
5.0 out of 5 stars
A guide to gaining and maintaining power
This book was written by the famous Italian statesman Niccolo Machiavelli in 1531. This book is a classic and I was pleasantly surprised that the content was not dated and the... Read more
Published on March 27, 2008 by Steve Burns
5.0 out of 5 stars
The prince
I love this item. It is an excellent item; new and clean. The transaction was also very good. Thanks very much.
Published on February 16, 2008 by Wisdom Kwadwo
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE PRINCE
This book will make you see history in a different light, and is insightful into how kings and rulers have viewed thier powers and responsibilities.
Published on December 13, 2007 by Lillian Belt
1.0 out of 5 stars
Bad translation and lack of proof-reading
If you would spend almost $10 to buy a classic book with bad translation and poor proof-reading. Plus if you read carefully, the logics of many sentences and agruments could not... Read more
Published on November 7, 2007 by Cheukkit Lam
5.0 out of 5 stars
How one can rule them all with power.
Published in 1532, dedicated to Lorenzo de' Medici, The Prince by Machiavelli is an advanced political science treatise in defence of civilization against barbarianism by way of a... Read more
Published on October 14, 2007 by OverTheMoon
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 6
books:
See all 6 books this book cites
- On Crimes and Punishments by Cesare Beccaria in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Emancipation Proclamation by Robert Young in Back Matter
- Essay on Machiavelli by Thomas Babington Macaulay in Front Matter
- To America and Around the World: The Logs of Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan by Christopher Columbus in Back Matter
- Tuskegee Airmen: The Men Who Changed a Nation in Back Matter
See all 6 books this book cites
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