As a diplomat in turbulent fifteenth-century Florence, NiccolòMachiavelli knew how quickly political fortunes could rise and fall. ThePrince, his tough-minded, pragmatic handbook on how power really works,made his name notorious and has remained controversial ever since. Howcan a leader be strong and decisive, yet still inspire loyalty in hisfollowers? When is it necessary to break the rules? Is it better to befeared than loved? Examining regimes and their rulers the world over andthroughout history, from Roman Emperors to renaissance Popes, fromHannibal to Cesare di Borgia, Machievalli answers all these questions ina work of realpolitik that still has shrewd political lessons for today.Tim Parks's acclaimed contemporary translation renders Machiavelli'sno-nonsense original as alarming and enlightening as when it was firstwritten. His introduction discusses Machiavelli's life and reputation,and explores the historical background to the work.Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) was born in Florence, and served theFlorentine republic as a secretary and second chancellor, as ambassadorand foreign policy-maker. When the Medici family returned to power in1512 he was suspected of conspiracy, imprisoned and tortured and forcedto retire from public life. His most famous work, The Prince, waswritten in an attempt to gain favour with the Medicis and return topolitics.If you enjoyed The Prince, you might like Plato's Republic, alsoavailable in Penguin Classics.'A gripping work, and a gripping translation'Nicholas Lezard, Guardian'Tim Parks's swift and supple new translation brings out all itschilling modernity'Boyd Tonkin, Independent
