A classic work of political philosophy, Niccolò Machiavelli's The
Prince provides rulers with a how-to guide for governing. Though at
times controversial in his approach, Machiavelli's influential text
remains a standard on the politics of governance with a renewed
relevance in the turmoil of today's contentious political landscape.
Widely held as one of the first works of modern political philosophy,
The Prince is a practical guide for ruling (or a satirical guide on how
not to rule). Machiavelli prefaces each chapter with a brief letter
addressed to Lorenzo de' Medici, the ruler of Florence, to whom he also
dedicates the book, both admonishing and praising him for his
governance. In simple prose and straightforward logic, Machiavelli takes
on topics of power, politics, and war that continue to bear contemporary
pertinence.
The Prince offers moderns readers a first-hand look at the causes and
ramifications of poor governing in sixteenth century Italy, which are
still applicable over five centuries later. Machiavelli's extreme views
on the separation of politics and ethics in governance has frightening
parallels to a disconcerting trend in current global politics.