The Prince

by Niccolò Machiavelli Narrated by Kevin Theis

Overview

The Prince is a 16th-century political treatise by the Italian diplomat and political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli. However, the printed version was not published until 1532, five years after Machiavelli's death. Although The Prince was written as if it were a traditional work in the mirrors for princes style, it is generally agreed that it was especially innovative. This is partly because it was written in the vernacular Italian rather than Latin, a practice that had become increasingly popular since the publication of Dante's Divine Comedy and other works of Renaissance literature. The Prince is sometimes claimed to be one of the first works of modern philosophy, especially modern political philosophy, in which the "effectual" truth is taken to be more important than any abstract ideal. It is also notable for being in direct conflict with the dominant Catholic and scholastic doctrines of the time, particularly those concerning politics and ethics.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Manuela Scarci’s excellent translation of Machiavelli’s most (in)famous work is accessible while at the same time respectful of his stylistic dignity. Welcome are this edition’s copious explanatory notes and helpful cross-references. Pleasing too are the accompanying extensive selections from the Discourses, along with ample portions of the Florentine Histories, The Art of War, and various literary works—all thoughtfully curated to substantiate the editor’s injunction against reliance solely on The Prince for an understanding of its author. And Jason Blahuta provides a provocative and learned introduction. He deftly places The Prince in the context of Machiavelli’s Renaissance, of his city, of his other works, and of his persistent themes. A great resource for a curious intellect, as well as for a university course in political thought.” — Timothy J. Lukes, Santa Clara University

“Scarci’s translation is clear and elegant, and it provokes the experienced reader with several subtle and intriguing choices. Blahuta includes relevant selections from eight of Machiavelli’s other works, as well as three letters, such that key themes of The Prince emerge more visibly within the context of Machiavelli’s overall project (and in sometimes surprising ways). This edition will be a useful resource for beginners and specialists alike.” — Kevin S. Honeycutt, Mercer University

The Scotsman

A publishing bull's-eye.

The Guardian

Richardson is speaking one-to-one. He is personal, intimate, confidential. That is at it should be.

DECEMBER 2008 - AudioFile

This is the book that made the author's name into a dark symbol of unalloyed power and sinister political motives. That reputation, though, is somewhat undeserved, and this new recording brings fresh insights and interpretations to the work. Narrator Ian Richardson does a magnificent job with this classic text. He reads with such focus and mellifluous beauty that we must remind ourselves that the book is over 500 years old, and not a contemporary political tract. Richardson's diction and pacing are legendary from his long career on stage and in films, and he applies these talents effortlessly, emphasizing key phrases, speaking conversationally, and making it appear as if he’s reading to only one person at a time. If you've never read THE PRINCE, here is a wonderful opportunity to do so. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172645952
Publisher:	Golden Acorn Media
Publication date:	05/13/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

Seventeenth Chapter: Concerning Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved Than Feared

...Upon this a question arises: whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with. Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed, they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life, and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you. And that prince, who, relying entirely on their promises, has neglected other precautions, is ruined; because friendships that are obtained by payments, and not by greatness or by nobility of mind, may indeed be earned, but they are not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon; and men have less scruple in offending one who is beloved than one who is feared, for love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails....

Twenty-First Chapter: How a Prince Should Conduct Himself So as to Gain Renown

...A prince is also respected when he is either a true friend or a downright enemy, that is to say, when, without any reservation, he declares himself in favour of one party against the other; which course will always be more advantageous than standing neutral; because if two of your powerful neighbours come to blows, they are of such a character that, if one of them conquers, you have either to fear him or not. In either case it will always be more advantageous for you to declare yourself and to make war strenously; because, in the first case, if you do not declare yourself, you will invariably fall a prey to the conqueror, to the pleasure and satisfaction of his who has been conquered, and you will have no reasons to offer, nor anything to protect or to shelter you. Because he who conquers does not want doubtful friends who will not aid him in the time of trial; and he who loses will not harbour you because you did not willingly, sword in hand, court his fate....

Translation by: W.K. Marriott

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