4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 24/02/2007

How to be in charge, and how to stay that way. At least in an Italian political sense amidst the power structures of the time.

Some of this is of course relevant to a lot of situations. More so if you are a dictator as opposed to being the Minister for Water Supply or the Arts, of course.

An interesting book.

4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 01/01/2007

This is an interesting read for the ideas on how to manipulate a nation-state (for all you budding Prime Ministers out there. What you've got to remember as you read it is that it was written for one man, in the hope he would use it to taken control of a fractured Italy and bring peace, so some of the thigns aren't relevant today, and some of them are just plain dangerous. Still - there are moments of huanting clarity.

"A wise prince seeks means by which his subjects will always have need of his governance, and then they will always be faithful to him."

4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 05/09/2006

Well i must say i dont really get this book. I mean i understand it as the first book of its kind and i have read numerous articles about this book and read numerous books that reference this book. But overall i cant help but feel underwhelmed and kind of like "Yeah, and... so what". I mean i get it but its not an incredibly interesting read as most of the points put forth are kind of obvious, worth a read so you can say you've read it.

5.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 30/07/2006

Machiavelli's 'The Prince' is considered by some to be the first piece of political science, although Plato's 'Republic' might also fall into this category.

This is a political tract advising how a ruler should conduct his affairs, and it is often pretty devious and nasty, promoting deception and underhanded methods of ruling and diplomacy.

Very insightful, much like a political version of Sun Tzu's 'Art of War'.

4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 15/02/2006

An intriguing look into the manipulative world of Nicolo Machiavelli which largely inspired the philosophical viewpoint of "The ends justify the means".

A strongly recommended book for anyone interested walking the corridors of power, be it in business or politics, The Prince is a definite must read for anyone interested in ways to gain more power.