The Prince

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Summary: Power Politics and Diplomacy
Review: Based upon Michiavelli's first hand 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 circumstance in which it is lost. Because The Prince is a political commentary, and not a work of fiction, Michiavelli does not use "characters" in the sense of a novel or a short story. Instead he draws his examples from the current political and social events, as well as from history. His characters are the political leaders of his time. The book is a declaration in plain language the conduct of great men and the principles of princely governments. The book can be divided into four sections.

1. The types of principalities. Michiavelli lists four types of principalities.

* Hereditary principalities, which are inherited by the ruler.

* Mixed principalities, territories that are annexed to the rulers existing territories.

* New principalities which may be acquired by several methods: by own power, by the power of others by criminal acts or extreme cruelty, or by the will of the people

* Ecclesiastical principalities, namely the papal states belonging to the catholic churches.

2. The character and behavior of the prince. Michiavelli recommends the following character and behavior for princes:

* It is better to be miserly than generous.

* It is better to be cruel than merciful.

* It is better to break promises if keeping than would be against ones interest.

* Princes must avoid making them hated and despised; the goodwill of the people is a better defense than any fortress.

* Princes should undertake great projects to enhance their reputation.

* Princes should choose wise advisors to confide and consult with

3. The types of armies A prince must always pay close attention to military affairs if he wants to remain in power. A prince must lay good foundation and those foundations include good laws and good armies. There cannot be good laws without good armies, and where there are good laws there must be good armies. The study of war should be a prince's main goal, for war is a rulers only art.If princes become too refined to study this art they loose their state. The types of armies are:

* Mercenaries or Auxiliaries (loaned to you by another ruler) are both dangerous and unreliable, as they will maintain their interests preceding yours.

* Native troops composed of ones own citizens or subjects are by far the most desirable kind.

4. Italy's political situation Michiavelli outlines and recommends the following

* The rulers of Italy have lost their states by ignoring the political and military principles.

* Fortune controls half of human affairs, but free will controls the rest, leaving the prince free to act. However, the few princes can adopt their actions to times

Rating:
Summary: A Truthful Presentation of Politics, However With Problems
Review: This Review refers to the mass market paperback edition of The Prince, composed by Niccolo Machiavelli and as translated/introduced by Daniel Donno.

The Prince was and is a pioneering political work. Through this work, Machiavelli describes how a ruler should run their country and behave politically in order to be successful. The varied topics covered include everything from how to keep up public opinion to how to choose advisors. The introduction by the translator, Daniel Donno, describes the author as well as various aspects of his life, and includes a letter by Machiavelli. A rather small selection from The Discourses follows The Prince, providing further information on political concepts. There is also a chronology and extensive notes on both the primary work and the brief selection.

The truthfulness as to how to conduct political matters in a ruler's situation at the time is startling. The concepts and methods conveyed in this work would prove quite useful for leaders wishing to sustain their control over their populace as well as for citizens wishing to gain some sort of political power. However, The Prince focuses on the political positions of the time and is therefore not as relevant in modern times as they were at its publication. Despite this fact, there is still an abundance of accurate and usable information pertaining to the said topic. The selections from The Discourses are much more useful to modern politicians and a modern governmental founding than The Prince.

Throughout the introduction, the translator presents a literary style that leans towards a more informal tone, often praising the author. The translation Donno provides is a modern one, which is more pleasing to today's reader. The translation is of good presentation, often with useful explanatory endnotes that aid the reader in understanding the ideas presented throughout the text. On this note, Machiavelli fails to explain his examples properly, often leading to the need of the said endnotes. To say the least, the author expects the reader to have a good knowledge base concerning the history of Europe and the events of the time the book received its first publication. The style is assertive, which has its good qualities as well as bad.

Overall, The Prince provides a modern literary style without proper elaborations. The introduction is slightly biased, but still relevant. The selections from The Discourses are a welcome addition, although it would have been more so had the selection been larger. A good political work with a few problems, The Prince deserves a place in any political collection.

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Summary: Tricky Work, Tricky Translation--Highly Recommended!
Review: Machiavelli was a moderately significant figure in Renaissance Florence at the time that city was busy shaping the essence of the modern world. His works (all of them, but especially the Prince) capture much of what is pivotal in this culture. The book is advice to princes on how to seize and hold power. Mostly, that means you need to trick people and use ruthless violence intelligently. (He suggests that, if you could invent something like the Catholic Church, you'd be in a specially good position to set up a rule that would draw a lot of allegiance and a lot of taxes, would have no responsibilities, and would never end.) It's great reading as literature and as history, and also incredibly subtle and insightful as an analysis of human psychology. Mostly, this work praises cunning intelligence; it is also written for the reader who possesses the same. Consequently, it is a book that requires real patience and attention if its real treasures are to be found. Mansfield's translation is, I believe, the best for allowing one to look for the inner depth of the book. The translation is inspired by the work of Leo Strauss, and, as is typical of Straussian translations, it is a translation that is extremely careful to reflect the subtleties of the language of the original in order to retain their complex intimations etc. This is the translation I use when I teach the book because of its precision and elegance. It also has helpful historical notes that provide some of the essential context that is necessary to understanding Machiavelli's words; (Machiavelli often, for example, describes some historical figure in a fashion which will suggest the opposite of his true point to the reader who does not take the trouble to learn the details of the context he is referring to, and Mansfield is helpful in supplying guides to the modern reader for what to study in order to get past these textual deceptions). Overall, this is an outstanding translation of one of the great books of Western culture. I recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: Classic deserving of its fame
Review: This classic treatise is the most famous work on the subject of political power, and with good cause. Machiavelli outlines the basic principles of how to properly govern a kingdom, from whether it is better to fight with native troops (he argues that it is better to lose with your own soldiers than with with mercenaries) to whether it is better to be loved or feared (he clearly sides with the latter). Despite its somewhat negative connotations, the author goes to great lengths to outline why he comes to the conclusions he does. Taken in their proper context, Machiavelli's positions are, I believe, much less inflamatory than their stereo-types. One also must considers the time and circumstances in which the book was written.
In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone who considers themselves to be a reader of classics. I picked up this edition in the airport for 4 dollars...how could you go wrong? Anyone would be proud to place this on his or her bookshelf.

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Summary: Machivellian at Heart
Review: After being described as Machiavellian by some of the fellow members of my youth government group, I decided to find out what they meant. I soon discovered that to be Machiavellian, is to be " a person having ruthless ambition, craftiness, and merciless political tactics." I took this comparison as a compliment and learned more Niccolo Machiavelli by reading one of his books, The Prince. The Prince begins with an in-depth historical introduction by Christian Gauss discussing the history of Italy. This background is essential so that readers have a basic understanding of where Machiavelli was coming from with his ideas. Machiavelli, a son of a Florentine lawyer, lived back in the 16th Century. He was a humanist and grew up reading the works of the Romans and the Greeks. It was because of his studies that he was able to analyze history and formulate his own theories on ruling a nation. Following this introduction, Machiavelli essentially provides the first ever "idiots guide to ruling a country" in 26 chapters. Within these chapters he answers questions such as whether it is better to be hated by the people or loved by the aristocracy, whether one should raise armies within a nation or hirer mercenaries, and what happens when you rule as a villain. Machiavelli's philosophy on every aspect of ruling a nation is discussed within this novel. The best part of this novel is how straightforward Machiavelli was in his writing. He cuts the fluff, and is blunt with his points. He is also very original in his thoughts about power. He does not try to conceal the political motives. In one section Machiavelli clearly presents his view on the importance for a prince to have religion:

Whoever reads Roman history attentively will see in how great a degree religion served in the command of the armies, in uniting the people and keeping them well conducted, and in covering the wicked with shame.(Machiavelli, pg. 78)

In this quote, Machiavelli never talks about how spirituality is important in satiating a God. Instead he talks about how a ruler can take advantage of a religion's power to be a massive propaganda machine. This is just the way Machiavelli presents his ideas. His views are often described as ruthless, but I feel they are just honest, accurate reflections of men's motives in politics. When reading the book, the only thing that bothered me was that my knowledge of European history is severely lacking. Frequently within the novel Machiavelli would make references to ancient battles such as the Venetians and France versus the Duke of Milan, or ancient people such as the Spartans, or the Medici. For this reason I would advise taking an AP or College Class in European History. A important insight is lost by a reader without this knowledge in any number of quotes such as this one:

But when one cannot avoid it, as happened in the case of the Florentines when the Pope and Spain went with their armies to attack Lombardy, the prince ought to join for the above reasons.(Machiavelli, pg. 112)

In this quote, I was completely ignorant to the fact that Spain and the Pope ever united, and furthermore that they then attacked a country, Lombardy, one that I had never heard of before. It was just frustrating to read a section and be completely bewildered afterwards, so that is why I suggest having a good knowledge of history before reading this book. By the end of the novel, my mind was racing with Machiavelli's theories on being a great ruler and I was anxious to go out and conquer my own nation. Unfortunately, Machiavelli wrote this a while ago and many of the things he described cannot be implemented today. However, a lot of his basic ideas can still be applied and this serves as an inspiration for me in my quest for power. Even though the days of Princes ruling are dead, anyone from modern day politicians to tech-company owners can appreciate Machiavelli's theories about control of power.

Rating:
Summary: a chilling reflection
Review: Machiavellism is generally used as a bad term, meaning that you'll do anything to get what you want, regardless, and everyone and anyone who stands in your way ought to be neutralised, pulverised.

But that's no the way it always was.

After getting the sack for being a good patriot, Machiavelli used his knowledge of the internal affairs fo Florentine politics and summed it up neatly in this taut, deadly-accurate treatise on human nature.

He's an observer, Machiavelli, and the Prince was written based on a boss of his, Cesare Borgia. Now Borgia (whose aim was to conquer Central Italy) wasn't one to let anything get into his way. He was ruthless, cunning, cruel. Did I mention that he's brilliant?

Machiavelli wrote on more, like on trading, on enemies, on governing. It teaches one on ways to become a politician, a president, or...a prince, with rules and tricks that every successful person uses but will never admit to.

All these lessons are packed into a slim tome, not quite novella as much as political guide, and the way through the minefields in this messy game of forging ahead.

After reading this, you either love it or hate it -I wouldn't know: I liked it. But no matter how hard one tries to deny what the author says, there's no way to escape from the parallels of Machiavelli's day and ours.

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Summary: Realistic Map of How Power is Achieved and Maintained
Review: There are two good reasons to read Machiavelli's classic, "The Prince."

First, so you'll know what everyone is referring to when you come across the adjective "machiavellian" in news stories or other media. This adjective has become so commonplace (and overused) it is almost a cliche. Also, most who use it have never read this letter from Machiavelli, a Rennaisance courtier to his Prince (written from prison), but they insist on peppering writings with this noun turned adjective so much that as a matter of clearly understanding what is meant by the term, famiality with this brief treatise is helpful.

Second, this book does describe most (not all) power situations very well. From politics to corporations to most settings where advancement, influence and control exist, Machiavelli's observations and rules apply.

You will also discover that Machiavelli was not as evil as he is understood to be in popular thought. What he was doing was describing the rules of the game that have existed and always will exist for many situations involving selfish humans in competition. Machiavelli's rules are neither good nor bad in themselves -- they describe a process. What is good or bad is how those who master Machiavelli's rules use their power and position, in a society that tempers actions according to law and basic Judeo-Christian principals. When those principals do not exist (as in Nazi Germany, the Middle Ages or under Communism, or by those who refuse to live by these constraints), Machiavelli's rules take on their demonic and evil cloak; usually because they serve demonic and evil ends. In societies where positive constraints exist, for example the U.S. political system, Machiavellian behavior can produce excellent results. A good example involves Abraham Lincoln, whose ambition led him to use every legitimate trick and stragety to master (and remove) political opponents. His mastery of Machiavellian behavior constrained by the US political system allowed him to save the Union and end slavery.

To fully appreciate the modern lessons that can be taken from this writing, one must translate Medieval sensibilites to their contemporary counterparts. The casual way in which Machiavelli discusses the need to kill opponents was necessary to those who wished to be princes 500 years ago. Today, of course, "killing" is translated as rendering less powerful, or taking an opponent out of the game.

What does one get from this book? It is a roadmap with insights and lessons about how to 1) get ahead of others to attain power; and 2) maintain and expand one's power in the face of others who would usurp one who is in a desirable position.

This book is about ruthlessness and putting the attainment of goals ahead of any other consideration. Plenty of maxims that are also tossed about frequently in media are to be found in Machiavelli's book: "the end justifies the means," "it is better to be feared than loved," "if you fight the prince, kill the prince" to name a few.

It is essential reading to anyone who would be in a competitive environment and hope to advance, if for no other reason than many of one's competitors operate by Machiavelli's dictums (which arise out of human instinct and selfishness). One does not have to operate according to Machaivelli's code -- many examples of alturism and "pluck and luck" exist to defeat any claim that Machiavelli's road map is essential for success. However, human nature and human history deliver far more examples of ruthless self-interest (Machiavellianism) behind success in power situations.

Is Machiavellianism bad? Not in and of itself. Remember, one must translate the Middle Age ethos to current practices -- there usually isn't blood spilled as a result of today's Machiavellian duels, just power and positon. Most political and business leaders are at least partly Machiavellian. The trick is using one's power to good ends. Thus, even though Lincoln and all of our presidents were Machiavellian in their climb to the White House, some of them did darn good work there. The same is true for business leaders. Jack Welch (GE), Bill Gates (Microsoft), anyone who advances past the first few rungs of the corporate ladder or dominates markets at the expense of competitors is using Machiavelli's dictums. The trick of a just and good society is to set the bounds by which power can be attained and exercised so that good and benefits will flow from those who are able to "claw their way to the top."

To summarize, read this book if you want to 1) truly understand when the adjective "Machiavelli" is used to describe people and 2) understand the rules by which most people navigate their way to power.

Rating:
Summary: A good guide to Politics and Leadership
Review: I've never read any book related to politics in my whole life, and I found out by one of my World History teachers, that this book is a good way to get into politics and learn to be a good leader for your people.
The book really explains or simulates almost every single problem that a king, prince, president or any kind of governor would face. The book talks about how to treat the people of your kingdom, Machiavelly argues if you should use Love to rule your people or fear, to support his ideas Machiavelli uses examples from past rulers explaining what weaknesses they had and big mistakes the made.
For the first politic book I've ever read I found it really interesting and really helpful, the only thing that I didn't really like about it, was that to get a better understanding of the book you have to get some more background of the Kings, Dukes and governors he used.

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Summary: Machiavelli-Still Today giving us knowledge...
Review: Machiavelli's The Prince is undoubted one of the books that gives historical evidence of past governments. Niccolo Machiavelli in this piece of literature analyzes and judges the use of power in traditional autocratic governments. He explains how at the time monarchs were able to prosper or to fail based on their rule. His political views are not all expressed in this book, but it is clear that there were several meanings behind this piece of literature.
The Prince is strengthen by the introduction that is given by Christian Gauss. It gives the reader background information on the life of Machiavelli and in reasons he would relate the book to events that were going on in Italy. The introduction can also be considered a Global History textbook because it gives detailed information about the rise and fall of different leaders in Europe and Machiavelli's involvement in them.
I never thought that just a single book that I picked would keep me so interested. Machiavelli's ideas on autocratic governments were used at the time by rising leaders and are still used today. The Prince indeed strengthens global history based on Machiavelli, we are able to judge monarchies that have existed. This is indeed one of the books to read.

Ludwing-New York City

Rating:
Summary: The Prince
Review: Machiavelli was the Plato for Italy in the early sixteenth century. He is an author who in my opinion, should be studied by all who are interested in politics, government, and history. He went throught a great deal of oppression from people of his country, who did not realize the greatness of his mind.
Machiavelli was greatly influenced by a man named Borgia. Later Borgia was banished. Machiavelli, not only had his hands covered with politics, and government, but also was in to train the militia. But soon after, he was fired and sent to jail. He later took up a career in writing, what he continued to do until his death.
The Prince is Machiavellis advice, his advice to his country on anything having to do with government of power. Machiavelli also talks of the prince towards the end of the book.
THE PRINCE is a great classic. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in politics, history, and government.