The Prince

Beskrivelse

Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince is a bold and straightforward guide to political power, translated and introduced by Tim Parks for Penguin Classics. Drawing from his experience as a diplomat in fifteenth-century Florence, Machiavelli explores the realities of leadership and authority.

A pragmatic and enduring handbook on the nature of power and leadership.

Written during a turbulent period in Florence, The Prince is Machiavelli's candid and pragmatic manual on how power truly operates. His insights, drawn from observing rulers like Roman Emperors, renaissance Popes, Hannibal, and Cesare di Borgia, tackle enduring questions such as how a leader can be both strong and inspiring, when breaking the rules is necessary, and whether it is better to be feared or loved.

This work of realpolitik has sparked controversy since its publication but remains highly relevant for understanding political strategy today. Tim Parks’s modern translation captures the sharp, no-nonsense tone of the original text, while his introduction offers valuable context on Machiavelli’s life, reputation, and the historical background of the book.

Born in Florence in 1469, Niccolò Machiavelli served as a secretary, second chancellor, ambassador, and foreign policy-maker for the Florentine republic. After the Medici family regained power in 1512, Machiavelli was accused of conspiracy, imprisoned, and tortured, which forced him into retirement from public affairs. The Prince was written as an attempt to regain favor with the Medici and re-enter political life.

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