The Prince

5W Nicolo Machiavelli. London; George Routledge and Sons, 1883. 

Notes

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli, written in 1513, is a seminal political treatise that offers pragmatic advice on how a ruler can gain, maintain, and consolidate power. Unlike idealistic views of governance, Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of realpolitik—rulers must be prepared to act immorally when necessary. He famously argues that it is better for a prince to be feared than loved, if he cannot be both, and that appearances can be as important as genuine virtue in maintaining authority. The work separates politics from ethics, suggesting that effective rule may require deception, manipulation, and force.

Machiavelli's analysis draws on historical and contemporary examples, particularly from Renaissance Italy, to demonstrate how rulers succeed or fail. While The Prince was initially controversial and branded as a manual for tyranny, it has since become foundational in political theory. It explores themes like fortune (chance) versus virtù (personal ability), the role of military force, and the shifting loyalties of the populace. Far from advocating cruelty for its own sake, Machiavelli focuses on stability and power as necessary goals in a chaotic world, presenting a stark but enduring view of leadership.

Description

Blue cloth boards with black tooling over the upper board and black lettering on the upper board and spine. Morley’s Universal Library binding. Sun fading to the spine. Rubbing to the extremities. Bumped points. Fully intact. Very good condition overall.