The Prince

The Prince the most famous book about politics ever written is still as vivid and disturbing today as it was nearly 500 years ago. Initially criticized as a collection of evil maxims and a call for tyranny it has since been defended as the first scientific examination of politics as it is practiced rather than as it should be practiced. The Prince is the authoritative version of the classic book vital to researchers students and others interested in the dark art of politics thanks to Harvey C. Mansfields outstanding translation and the fresh materials included for this edition. An updated bibliography a thorough lexicon an analytic introduction a chronology of Machiavellis life and a map of Italy in Machiavellis time are included in this revised version of Mansfields celebrated translation. Of the other available [translations] Harvey C. Mansfields provides an outstanding introduction and annotations as well as making the necessary concessions between exactness and readability. —The Wall Street Journals Clifford Orwin Mansfields work is worth collecting since it offers the best balance of accuracy and readability. —Choice There is considerable reason to believe that Machiavelli has found his match in Mansfield. [...] [He] is ready to read Machiavelli the way he requires to be read—plainly and courageously but cautiously. —The Sixteenth Century Journal John Gueguen