The Prince - Complete and Original Signature Edition

A New Perspective on Machiavelli's Practical Ideas and Fuller Dimensions

Since its posthumous publication in 1532, Machiavelli's treatise on claiming and holding power has been synonymous with deception, ruthlessness, and even brutality. History generally regards the author of The Prince as a one-note schemer and callous plotter. Some contemporary critics even call him a satirist.

In this newly introduced and annotated edition of Machiavelli's most enduring work, scholar of esotericism Mitch Horowitz elucidates the greater spectrum of the pragmatic philosopher's ideas to reveal a figure concerned not just with amoral cunning but possessed of standards and ideals rarely appreciated in modern assessments.

?A fresh look,? Mitch writes in his introduction, ?often reveals the unexpected. Machiavelli imbued The Prince with a greater sense of purpose and ethics than is commonly understood...I believe that some who encounter The Prince today will recognize subtleties missing from the value-free rationalism prominent in some precincts of our culture.?

Mitch's new assessment and chapter notes highlight practical lessons that give The Prince its immortality. Not all of Machiavelli's advice remains pertinent or possible in today's world; nor would most readers wish to act on all of it. But, as Mitch explores, the political philosopher's overarching principles warrant careful scrutiny and evaluation.

This unabridged edition of The Prince is drawn from N.H. Thomson's 1910 translation, published as volume 36 of The Harvard Classics. Antiquated spellings and grammar are updated. Appendices reproduce aphorisms from both The Prince and Machiavelli's seminally important Discourses on Livy (1531). Pull quotes emphasize key points and Mitch summarizes takeaways following each chapter.

About the author

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527)
Niccolò Machiavelli was born at Florence on 3rd May 1469. He was the second son of Bernardo di Nicolo Machiavelli, a lawyer of some repute, and of Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli, his wife. Both parents were members of the old Florentine nobility. His life falls naturally into three periods, each of which singularly enough constitutes a distinct and important era in the history of Florence. His youth was concurrent with the greatness of Florence as an Italian power under the guidance of Lorenzo de' Medici, Il Magnifico. The downfall of the Medici in Florence occurred in 1494, in which year Machiavelli entered the public service. During his official career Florence was free under the government of a Republic, which lasted until 1512, when the Medici returned to power, and Machiavelli lost his office. The Medici again ruled Florence from 1512 until 1527, when they were once more driven out. This was the period of Machiavelli's literary activity and increasing influence; but he died, within a few weeks of the expulsion of the Medici, on 22nd June 1527, in his fifty-eighth year, without having regained office.

Herbert Butterfield, 1908 edition of The Prince

Summary

A New Perspective on Machiavelli’s Practical Ideas and Fuller Dimensions

Since its posthumous publication in 1532, Machiavelli’s treatise on claiming and holding power has been synonymous with deception, ruthlessness, and even brutality. History generally regards the author of The Prince as a one-note schemer and callous plotter. Some contemporary critics even call him a satirist.

In this newly introduced and annotated edition of Machiavelli’s most enduring work, scholar of esotericism Mitch Horowitz elucidates the greater spectrum of the pragmatic philosopher’s ideas to reveal a figure concerned not just with amoral cunning but possessed of standards and ideals rarely appreciated in modern assessments.

“A fresh look,” Mitch writes in his introduction, “often reveals the unexpected. Machiavelli imbued The Prince with a greater sense of purpose and ethics than is commonly understood…I believe that some who encounter The Prince today will recognize subtleties missing from the value-free rationalism prominent in some precincts of our culture.”

Mitch’s new assessment and chapter notes highlight practical lessons that give The Prince its immortality. Not all of Machiavelli’s advice remains pertinent or possible in today’s world; nor would most readers wish to act on all of it. But, as Mitch explores, the political philosopher’s overarching principles warrant careful scrutiny and evaluation.

This unabridged edition of The Prince is drawn from N.H. Thomson’s 1910 translation, published as volume 36 of The Harvard Classics. Antiquated spellings and grammar are updated. Appendices reproduce aphorisms from both The Prince and Machiavelli’s seminally important Discourses on Livy (1531). Pull quotes emphasize key points and Mitch summarizes takeaways following each chapter.

Product details

• Authors: Niccolò Machiavelli
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 21.11.2023, delayed
• EAN: 9798350500424
• ISBN: 979-8-3505-0042-4
• No. of pages: 162
• Subject: Social sciences, law, business > Business > Miscellaneous