The Prince: Niccolo Machiavelli

Niccolo Machiavelli's name has come to represent cunning and guile of the most invidious nature. In fact, his advice in this book should be read by anyone in any political station of life. In the words of Tim Parks, the excellent translator, 'It tells how to win power and above all, how to hold onto it, how not to be a victim of circumstance.' There are no sentimental, politically correct concepts here. Everything is completely pragmatic. The chapter headings include 'Avoiding contempt and hatred', 'What a ruler should do to win respect', 'Cruelty and compassion', 'Whether it is better to be feared or loved'. Of course it was written in the days when one became a leader by force, and as Tim Parks reveals in his fascinating introduction, what we now know as 'Italy', was, in the 15th century, a large number of states constantly at war with each other. Machiavelli's world was 'sometimes unspeakably cruel … once established in a position of power a ruler may have no choice but to kill or be killed.' This is not a world we would wish to inhabit today, but it is so refreshing to read: "A Ruler mustn't worry about being labelled cruel when it's a question of keeping his subjects loyal and united; using a little exemplary severity, he will prove more compassionate than the leader whose excessive compassion leads to public disorder, muggings and murder. That kind of trouble tends to harm everyone …' I recommend this book, and this particular translation, to anyone who is fed up with our hypocritical, duplicitous political governments, today.

Very interesting book - gives a fantastic look into 14/15th century Italy and the nature of Humanity. Translation notes whilst entertaining may not be as profound as the original direct translation. As well the cover was unfortunately damaged upon arrival.

I chose this version of The Prince because it was translated by Tim Parks, an author whose books I've read. Originally from England, he has lived in Italy for the last 20 years. He's produced a lively and modern translation - here's a sample, from the chapter on A Ruler and His Promises; "But you have to know how to disguise your slyness, how to pretend one thing and cover up another. People are so gullible and so caught up with immediate concerns that a con man will always find someone ready to be conned". The translator explains why he translated The Prince in this style. He also gives a good background to the political situation in early 16th century Italy, when Machiavelli was writing. The Prince includes references to politicians and statesmen during that era, so there's a brief history of their lives at the back of the book. What struck me was that although sometimes Machiavelli has a manipulative approach to statemanship, in general his advice is full of insight. In other words, Machiavelli is less Machiavellian than I expected.

Always had an interest in thus book. As a student of management, this book will help me in reading different types of people.

Great book

The translation is not to my liking at all, when I read in the translators notes a comparison of the text literally translated and the translators version, I prefer the literal. I read the works of interesting thinkers of the past to hear their words and bathe in their perspective. For me it is worthwhile to retain the connotations of the original writer's words, and to minimalise the fears or issues with perfectly intelligible English, as long as you are aware of the writers circumstance. A lot of the flavor of Machiavellis style is lost and in short it becomes a lot less interesting to read. I found a more literal translation online and the passion over and importance put, on concepts from machiavelli is far more apparent.

This is a brilliant translation and it's amazing how fresh it reads given its age. It's also remarkable that you can see recent examples of how leaders have used the methods in his book to gain and keep power.

Gripping masterpiece Timeless classic Great read by good author Translated well

Excellent book and great service

To be as succinct as Machiavelli himself, this is perhaps, pound-for-pound, the best book ever written about statecraft (and thus, indirectly, human nature). The few hours you need to finish this will be well spent. This Penguin Classic version is characteristic of the series, tastefully bound and well printed for the price while providing enough context to understand some of the deeper meanings that may not be immediately relevant to the modern reader. A must have for any serious bookshelf.

The translation uses modern, straightforward words, so I’m not stuck googling every other line, and it keeps the flow going. The print is big and spaced out well, which makes it easy to sit down and read without feeling overwhelmed. The pages are cut a little strange, but that’s just looks it doesn’t change how good the book is. Overall, it’s a great edition that makes a classic feel approachable, clear, and worth the read.

Edges are uneven

The book itself has the explanation of how it became into existence, in term of linguistic and historical reasons. The author did some serious work in researching other translation, and come up with a new one which seems quite fair in conveying the original meaning. Although I haven't finished reading the book yet, but so far it does feel like a good translation that worth diving in. Delivery? Amazon did a great job again as we always expect: fast, reliable, and punctual.