With notes and an apparatus, a new translation of Hegel's essay "Machiavelli's "The Prince" and Italy," and the first pages of "The Prince" in the original Italian

At the end of an industrious political career in conflict-riven Italy, the Florentine diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli composed his masterpiece "The Prince," a classic study of power and politics, and a manual of ruthlessness for any ambitious ruler. Controversial in his own time, the work made Machiavelli's name a byword for manipulative scheming, and had an impact on such major figures as Napoleon and Frederick the Great. It contains principles as true today as when they were first written almost five centuries ago.

Having spent his entire life in conflict-riven Florence, Niccolo Machiavelli composed this classic study of power and politics in response to the governmental troubles of his day. Controversial but nonetheless highly influential, this tract has impacted such major figures as Napoleon, Frederick the Great, and Mussolini. This edition is accompanied by G. W. F. Hegel's commentary on Machiavelli in his "Constitution of Germany."

Having spent his entire life in conflict-riven Florence, Niccolo Machiavelli composed this classic study of power and politics in response to the governmental troubles of his day. Controversial but nonetheless highly influential, this tract has impacted such major figures as Napoleon, Frederick the Great, and Mussolini. This edition is accompanied by G. W. F. Hegel's commentary on Machiavelli in his "Constitution of Germany."

The most famous book on politics ever written, "The Prince" remains as lively and shocking today as when it was written almost five hundred years ago. Initially denounced as a collection of sinister maxims and a recommendation of tyranny, it has more recently been defended as the first scientific treatment of politics as it is practiced rather than as it ought to be practiced. Harvey C. Mansfield's brilliant translation of this classic work, along with the new materials added for this edition, make it the definitive version of "The Prince," indispensable to scholars, students, and those interested in the dark art of politics.
This revised edition of Mansfield's acclaimed translation features an updated bibliography, a substantial glossary, an analytic introduction, a chronology of Machiavelli's life, and a map of Italy in Machiavelli's time.
"Of the other available [translations], that of Harvey C. Mansfield makes the necessary compromises between exactness and readability, as well as providing an excellent introduction and notes."--Clifford Orwin, "The Wall Street Journal"
"Mansfield's work . . . is worth acquiring as the best combination of accuracy and readability."--"Choice"
"There is good reason to assert that Machiavelli has met his match in Mansfield. . . . [He] is ready to read Machiavelli as he demands to be read--plainly and boldly, but also cautiously."--John Gueguen, "The Sixteenth Century Journal"

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. 'We have declared before that it is not only expedient but necessary for a prince to take care his foundations be good, otherwise his fabric will be sure to fail.' Considered one of the first works of modern philosophy, Machiavelli's The Prince is an intense study on the nature of power and the course it should take when ruling a country and expresses the author's strong and unyielding ideals and beliefs on using force rather than law to achieve your aims. Responsible for the widely-used phrase 'Machiavellian', with all of its negative connotations, his extreme treatise remains a classic text to this day.

As a young Florentine envoy to the courts of France and the Italian principalities, Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) was able to observe firsthand the lives of people strongly united under one powerful ruler. His fascination with that political rarity and his intense desire to see the Medici family assume a similar role in Italy provided the foundation for his "primer for princes."

In this classic guide to acquiring and maintaining political power, Machiavelli used a rational approach to advise prospective rulers, developing logical arguments and alternatives for a number of potential problems, among them governing hereditary monarchies, dealing with colonies and the treatment of conquered peoples. Refreshing in its directness, yet often disturbing in its cold practicality, The Prince sets down a frighteningly pragmatic formula for political fortune.

Starkly relevant to the political upheavals of the 20th century, this calculating prescription for power remains today, nearly 500 years after it was written, a timely and startling lesson in the practice of autocratic rule that continues to be much read and studied by students, scholars and general readers as well.

With a mix of both respectable and immoral advice, The Prince is a frank analysis on political power. Separated into four sections, The Prince is both a guide to obtain power and an explanation on the aspects that affect it. The first section discusses the types of principalities. According to Machiavelli, there are four different types-hereditary, mixed, new and ecclesiastical. While defining each type, Machiavelli also discusses the implications of each. Next, The Prince identifies types of armies. There are hired armies, which Machiavelli himself expressed distrust of, loaned troops (also known as auxiliaries), native, or a mix of the three. With intriguing contrasts, the next section reveals the most effective behavior and characteristics for a ruler. While it is advised to be stingy over generous, cruel over merciful, and champions dishonesty over inconvenience, The Prince also stresses the importance of being a well-like ruler with an enhanced reputation, creating a complex character to portray. Finally, to highlight why the aforementioned sections are necessary and accurate, the last section of The Prince discusses the political state of 16th century Italy. With examples of both effective and ineffective policies and rulers, The Prince provides intriguing philosophical and political discourse as well as a detailed look at the innerworkings of the Italian government during the Renaissance. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli introduces an unprecedented political analysis, creating a fascinating discussion on Renaissance politics while inviting readers to consider the evidence of Machiavelli's studies present in modern-day government. Machiavelli's work has paved the way for and shaped political parties that are still in practice even in a democratic society, consequently solidifying The Prince as an ever-present analysis of political science. This edition of Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince is presented in a modern font and features a new, eye-catching cover design. Providing both a riveting look into Renaissance politics and a relevant analysis of power, The Prince by Machiavelli possess a duality that preserves its influence.