The Prince / Edition 1

by Niccolò Machiavelli, Thomas G. Bergin

Overview

What makes this well-annotated translation stand out from others is an insightful introduction by editor Thomas G. Bergin–especially helpful for achieving a better understanding of the times and the political scene in which Machiavelli worked, lived, and wrote. Also included are a list of important dates in Machiavelli's life, an index of proper names in the text and notes, and a selected bibliography.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780882950532
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	01/15/1947
Series:	Crofts Classics , #19
Edition description:	1
Pages:	82
Product dimensions:	4.80(w) x 7.30(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	15 - 17 Years

About the Author

Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian philosopher and writer, and is considered one of the founders of modern political science. He was a diplomat and civil servant in the Florentine Republic in the sixteenth century, until arrested for conspiracy in 1513 after which he gave his time to writing.

Thomas G. Bergin - 1904 - 1987 - was an American scholar of Italian literature. He was an authority on writers including Dante, Boccaccio, and Petrarch, and Giovanni Verga. His translated works such as Dante's Divine Comedy and Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince.

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

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

To the magnificent Lorenzo, son of piero de’ medici xiii

1.Types of Monarchy and How They Are Acquired 1

II. Hereditary Monarchies 1

III. Mixed Monarchies 2

IV. Why the Kingdom of Darius, Occupied by Alexander, Did Not Rebel Against Alexander’s Successors after His Death 10

V.  How Cities or States Previously Independent Must Be Governed after Occupation 12

VI. Of New Monarchies Acquired by One’s Arms and Ability 13

VII. New Monarchies Acquired by the Power of Others or by Fortune 16

VIII. On Those Who Have Become Princes by Crime 23

IX. Civil Monarchy 26

X. How the Strength of All Monarchies Should Be Measured 29

XI. Eccelesiastical Monarchies 31

XII. Various Kinds of Troops with Special Discussion of Mercenaries 33

XIII. Auxiliaries, Mixed, and Native Troops 38

XIV. The Prince’s Duty in Military Matters 41

XV. On Things for Which Men, and Particularly Princes, Are Praised or Blamed 44

XVI. Generosity and Meanness 45

XVII. Cruelty and Clemency and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved or Feared 47

XVIII. In What Manner Princes Should Keep Their Word 50

XIX. Essential to Avoid Being Hated or Despised 52

XX. Whether the Building of Fortresses or Other Measures Taken by Princes Are Useful or Dangerous 61

XXI. How a Prince Should Conduct Himself in Order to Acquire Prestige 65

XXII. The Prince’s Ministers 68

XXIII. How to Avoid Flatterers 69

XXIV. Why the Princes of Italy Have Lost Their States 71

XXV. The Influence of Fortune on Human Affairs and How It May Be Countered 72

XXVI. Exhortation to Free Italy from the Barbarians 75

Bibliography 79

Index of Proper Names 80

What People are Saying About This

John M. Najemy

I still consider Atkinson's translation of The Prince the best of the many . . . out there, especially with its extensive and extraordinarily valuable commentary. (John M. Najemy, Professor of History, Cornell University, 2007)

Mario Domandi

This edition of the The Prince has three distinct and disparate objectives: to provide a fresh and accurate translation; to analyze and find the roots of Machiavelli's thought; and to collect relevant extracts from other works by Machiavelli and some contemporaries, to be used to illuminate and explicate the text. The objectives are all reached with considerable and admirable skill. The reader senses Professor Atkinson's empathy and feeling for even the tiniest movements in Machiavelli's mind. Professor Atkinson has done a great service to students and teachers of Machiavelli, who should certainly welcome this as the most useful edition of The Prince in English. (Mario Domandi, Italica, 1978)

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher

A publishing bull's-eye.

The Scotsman

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

The Guardian

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

DECEMBER 2008 - AudioFile