num_pages: 283
description: The book has been variously described as the first to analyze the role of the political elite; as the one that established the independence of politics from theology; as an early formulation of the political 'myth' required to galvanize apolitical masses into revolutionary action; as a practical rule-book containing timeless precepts for the diplomat; and, most frequently, as the handbook of evil. Based upon Machiavelli's firsthand experience as an emissary of the Florentine Republic to the courts of Europe, The Prince analyzes the often-violent means by which political power is seized and retained, and the circumstances in which it is lost. Above all, it provides a remarkably uncompromising picture of the true nature of power, no matter in what era or by whom it is exercised.
language: English
title: The prince: A new translation, backgrounds, interpretations, peripherica
titlecomplete: The prince: A new translation, backgrounds, interpretations, peripherica (A Norton critical edition)
characters: Alexander the Great, Francesco Sforza I, Pope Alexander VI, Niccolò Machiavelli, Cesare Borgia, Theseus (mythology), Louis XII of France
genres: Political Science, Politics, Philosophy, School, Literature, Italian Literature, Italy, Classics, Nonfiction, History
ratings_count: 324607
awards: awardedAt: 252489600000
name: National Book Award Finalist
category: Translation
publisher: Norton