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FINALIST--2008 PEN TRANSLATION PRIZE In The Essential Writings of Machiavelli, Peter Constantine has assembled a comprehensive collection that shows the true depth and breadth of a great Renaissance thinker. Refreshingly accessible, these superb new translations are faithful to Machiavelli’s original, beautifully crafted writings. The volume features essays that appear in English for the first time, such as “A Caution to the Medici” and “The Persecution of Africa.” Also included are complete versions of the political treatise, The Prince, the comic satire The Mandrake, The Life of Castruccio Castracani, and the classic story “Belfagor”, along with selections from The Discourses, The Art of War, and Florentine Histories. Augmented with useful features–vital and concise annotations and cross-references–this unique compendium is certain to become the standard one-volume reference to this influential, versatile, and ever timely writer. “Machiavelli's stress on political necessity rather than moral perfection helped inspire the Renaissance by renewing links with Thucydides and other classical thinkers. This new collection provides deeper insight into Machiavelli’s personality as a writer, thus broadening our understanding of him.” –Robert D. Kaplan, author of Warrior Politics: Why Leadership Demands a Pagan Ethos “Constantine’s selection is not only intelligent; his translations are astonishingly good. Thoughtfully introduced by Albert Russell Ascoli, this edition belongs in everyone’s library.” –John Jeffries Martin, professor and chair, department of history, Trinity University “If one were to assign a single edition of Machiavelli's works, this most certainly would be it.” –John P. McCormick, professor, department of political science, University of Chicago
The Prince examines the acquisition, perpetuation, and use of political power in the western world. Machiavelli wrote The Prince to prove his proficiency in the art of the state, offering advice on how a prince might gain and keep power.Machiavelli justified rule by force rather than by law. Accordingly, The Prince seems to justify a number of actions done solely to perpetuate power. It is a classic study of power, its acquisition, expansion, and effective use.When a prince comes to power through luck or the blessings of powerful figures within the regime, he has an easy time gaining power but a hard time keeping it thereafter, because his power is dependent on his benefactors' goodwill - a fickle thing at best. He does not command the loyalty of the armies and officials that maintain his authority, and these can be withdrawn from him at a whim. Having risen the easy way, it is not even certain such a prince has the skill and strength to stand on his own feet.Conversely, a prince who rises by overthrowing the existing order has a hard time rising but rules with ease afterwards. He clears away his enemies, forges alliances on his own terms and earns more respect.How do you think Machiavelli's philosophy fits into the political climate of the 21st century?
This slim paperback contains both Sun Tzu's timeless work "The Art of War" and Niccolo Machiavelli's indispensable "The Prince", printed in that order. Both works are almost too short to warrant printing them alone, and most anyone that would read one would want to read the other. So, it only makes sense that they should be published together for a better price than one can buy them both individually.
"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both." The Prince, written by Niccolò Machiavelli, is a groundbreaking work in the genre of political philosophy, first published in 1532. It offers a direct and unflinching examination of power and leadership, challenging conventional notions of morality and ethics in governance. This work will leave you questioning the true nature of authority and political strategy. Machiavelli's prose captures the very essence of human ambition, forcing readers to grapple with the harsh realities of leadership. This is not just a historical treatise, but a blueprint for navigating the political power structures of any era. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of political leadership and the dynamics of influence, this book is for you. Sneak Peek "Since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved." In The Prince, Machiavelli draws on historical examples and his own diplomatic experience to lay out a stark vision of what it takes to seize and maintain power. From the ruthlessness of Cesare Borgia to the political maneuvering of Italian city-states, Machiavelli outlines how a leader must be prepared to act against virtue when necessary. Every decision is a gamble, and success depends on mastering the balance between cunning and force. Synopsis The story of The Prince delves into the often brutal realities of ruling. Machiavelli provides rulers with a pragmatic guide for gaining and sustaining power, asserting that the ends justify the means. The book is not just a reflection on how power was wielded in Renaissance Italy but a timeless manual that offers insight into political consulting, political history, and current political issues. Its relevance has endured for centuries, influencing leaders and thinkers alike. Machiavelli emphasizes that effective rulers must learn how to adapt, deceive, and act decisively in pursuit of their goals. This stunning, classic literature reprint of The Prince offers unaltered preservation of the original text, providing you with an authentic experience as Machiavelli intended. It's an ideal gift for anyone passionate about political science books or those eager to dive into the intricacies of power and leadership. Add this thought-provoking masterpiece to your collection, or give it to a loved one who enjoys the best political books. The Prince is more than just a book – it's a legacy. Grab Your Copy Now and get ready to command power like a true Prince. Title Details Original 1532 text Political Philosophy Historical Context
Presenting The Leader's Bible: The Art of War by Sun Tzu, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. This collection is part of The Great Books Series by Golding Books. There are certain books of antiquity that have risen to the status of required readings for those interested in effective leadership. The Art of War, Meditations, and The Prince have achieved this rare renown, influencing countless changemakers and leaders throughout history. A leader will be faced with all kinds of challenges, many unforeseen. These texts emphasize that the best way to command or sway others is through a prudence that does not always err on the side of leniency or severity, but rather on that of knowledge and flexibility. Along with strength of character, an effective leader also possesses the ability to adapt and therefore to take informed, needful, and decisive action. Personal development, leadership, and business management are essentially careful thought followed by swift action. This inspirational collection is unique among leadership books for women and men and great leader gifts for women and men, bosses and employees, the experienced as well as up and comers, rare among leadership gifts for students as well as leadership gifts for women and men at every stage of their career. Sun Tzu was an ancient Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher, who is believed to have written the famous ancient book on military strategy, The Art of War. He lived in the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China, and his birth year is given by tradition as 544 BC. While the book has become immensely popular through to today, there is little to no certainty about Sun Tzu's claim to its authorship, or the veracity of details about his life. Marcus Aurelius was born in 121 in Rome. His original name was Marcus Annius Verus, and he was born into a wealthy and political family. A dedicated student, he became a Stoic, a philosophy which emphasized self-restraint, fate, and reason. He was chosen by Emperor Hadrian to be his eventual successor, and in 161, Aurelius took control of the Roman Empire along with his brother Verus, assuming the name Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus. His rule suffered the threat of war and disease, and, while Rome was held, his rule weakened after the death of his brother. His son Commodus became co-ruler in 177 (having been named Caesar in 166), and Aurelius died after a repeated bout of illness in 180. Niccolò Machiavelli was born in 1469 in Florence, Italy. He was a diplomat for fourteen years in the Florentine Republic during the Medici family's exile. When the Medicis returned to power in 1512, he was dismissed and jailed for three weeks, during which time he was subjected to the "strappado," or ropes used for hanging torture. He wrote The Prince, a political handbook for self-serving and ruthless leaders that became a philosophy classic on leadership, in 1532. He died in Florence in 1527.
For the first time ever, three of the greatest treatises on politics and war ever written, in one beautiful volume.******This book contains the complete texts of Machiavelli's The Prince and Jomini's The Art of War, and an abridged version of On War by Clausewitz.
