Machiavellian adj. elaborately cunning; scheming, unscrupulous.
Machiavellianism n. (N. dei Machiavello, Florentine statesman and
political writer d. 1527, who advocated resort to morally questionable
methods in the interests of the State).
How remarkable that an Italian living in the 15th and 16th centuries
should lend his name to a word still in common usage in the English
language today.
The Prince has remained a prominent classic ever since its publication
in 1513; valued for its shrewd psychological insight, powerful words and
prophetic quality. And even today, it has never lost its power to shock
and influence.
Ian Richardson played machiavellian Francis Urquhart in the hit TV
series The House of Cards, To Play the King and The Final Cut. His
formidable reading of this modern unabridged translation is an
accessible and entertaining way in to a truly compelling world view.