The Prince (Bantam Classics)

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When Lorenzo de' Medici seized control of the Florentine Republic in 1512, he summarily fired the Secretary to the Second Chancery of the Signoria and set in motion a fundamental change in the way we think about politics. The person who held the aforementioned office with the tongue-twisting title was none other than Niccolò Machiavelli, who, suddenly finding himself out of a job after 14 years of patriotic service, followed the career trajectory of many modern politicians into punditry. Unable to become an on-air political analyst for a television network, he only wrote a book. But what a book The Prince is. Its essential contribution to modern political thought lies in Machiavelli's assertion of the then revolutionary idea that theological and moral imperatives have no place in the political arena. "It must be understood," Machiavelli avers, "that a prince ... cannot observe all of those virtues for which men are reputed good, because it is often necessary to act against mercy, against faith, against humanity, against frankness, against religion, in order to preserve the state." With just a little imagination, readers can discern parallels between a 16th-century principality and a 20th-century presidency. --Tim Hogan

Book Description

Here is the world's most famous master plan for seizing and holding power. Astonishing in its candor The Prince even today remains a disturbingly realistic and prophetic work on what it takes to be a prince . . . a king . . . a president. When, in 1512, Machiavelli was removed from his post in his beloved Florence, he resolved to set down a treatise on leadership that was practical, not idealistic. In The Prince he envisioned would be unencumbered by ordinary ethical and moral values; his prince would be man and beast, fox and lion. Today, this small sixteenth-century masterpiece has become essential reading for every student of government, and is the ultimate book on power politics.

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When, in 1512, Machiavelli was removed from his post in his beloved Florence, he resolved to set down a treatise on leadership that was practical, not idealistic. In The Prince he envisioned what would be unencumbered by ordinary ethical and moral values; his prince would be man and beast, fox and lion. Today, this small sixteenth-century masterpiece has become essential reading for every student of government, and is the ultimate book on power politics.

Customer Reviews:

How one can rule them all with power........2007-10-14

Published in 1532, dedicated to Lorenzo de' Medici, The Prince by Machiavelli is an advanced political science treatise in defence of civilization against barbarianism by way of a single specially disciplined sovereign ruler, a prince.

The Prince by Machiavelli is a brief but complex political management system designed to be run by a prince administered using a series of protocols for any given situation based on Machiavelli's interpretation of the history of the rise and fall of world governments with an emphasis on the Roman Empire and current trends in 16th century monarchy rule.

Machiavelli's analysis of the historical record paved the way for princes to develop awareness of the problem of emergent barbarianism both internal and external. Machiavelli highlighted the need for a prince to always remain liked but indicated that being wanted did not necessarily mean being kind and showed how a cruel prince could also be beneficial to the state which would function, sometimes better, under ruthlessness depending on certain conditions.

Machiavelli was able to successfully understand the different types of principalities and how princes come to power and how they could retain that power tactically. He often cited historical sources to prove his points. The Prince teaches how to acquire cities and how they should be ruled especially after being annexed. In this respect it is also a war treatise although it deals with gain by means other than war. However this is not unusual for a warfare discourse. There are methods of determining strength and calculating a response and so The Prince is a strategic book that has its bases in game theory. The different types of soldiers and how they behave is given a considerable amount of coverage and how a prince should treat them.

The character of a prince becomes a central theme especially concerning how a prince is to be perceived by others. Religion is dealt with and for its time The Prince surprisingly declared Popes potential enemies that could, and would, undermine a monarchy if it was to their advantage. Machiavelli was able to show how a fortress is important for defence but that attack can, and does, come from within. He also had a system to increase a prince's popularity and noted areas in which a prince could socially falter. The book rounds up with a directive to implement these ideas when fortune should arise and to be always on guard against barbarianism which can come from within.

The Prince remains a classic essential in the development of game theory. There are many parallels between this work and the Art of War by Sun Tzu. In fact Machiavelli wrote another book using that very same title. Machiavelli sees power brought into the grasp of one hand by adapting military tactics internally within government operations as opposed to outwardly using them to defeat the enemy. This work is all about controlling what has been gained.

The Prince and its author Machiavelli are often condemned for not only tolerating mistreating people but for advising it in a lot of circumstances especially to prove authority and to take any possible threatening might away from the people. Proponents argue that without a rule of law with stiff penalties people would become barbaric and the system would deteriorate into even more unbearable situations. It is completely open about dealing out harsh measures to guarantee the survival of the state by any means necessary. However The Prince does contain methodologies that incorporate and use control based on kindness but these methods are few and far between.

Overall this book's influence on politics and business cannot be underestimated. Ultimately it is a must read being a very powerful book about being very powerful.

Good information.......2007-10-10

Many of Macchavelli's principal relate to both the Political world and the business world. It should be in every library.

This could be quite hard for those who lack the concentration, it can a valuable book for those who want to obtain a leadership position.

Accomadation.......2007-10-02

The first item was lost in the mail. I contacted Amazon and they sent me another one right away.

A Truely Overrated Book.......2007-09-19

"The Prince" is essentially a "how-to" guide for royalty durring the 1400's in Italy. I'm not going to make this review very long... a short review for a short book. It gets one star. Why? It's a very out dated classic. The advice and philosophical ramblings handed out in this book is quite specific to its time and place, and unlike, say The Communist Manefesto, for example, are no long relevant to us. In fact, it would probably be downright criminal today to run your country in the way Machiavelli suggests you do. This book would be a good read if you are interested in the history of Italian principalities durring this time period. Other than that, there is really no reason to read it. The morality of the book is actually very objectionable, and on top of that... its REALLLLLY borring.

It's probably considered to be a classic work of literature because it is just old. That's all. If I wrote some crap right now about the mythical underpants gnomes, and it survived for 600 years, people in 2600 BC would probably be saying "FIVE STARS for the Underpants Gnome Chronicals. This a great relic from the year 2007! Such insight into their ideology and beliefs...."

Awesome book.......2007-09-06

This book is for serious philosophical readers.

Machiavelli broke down a raw and ruthless political idea. I read the Art of War before this book, and they are similar. However, Machiavelli is much more aggressive. If you're reading this book for entertainment, it can be dry at times. Nonetheless, the information in this book is timeless, and should be an enjoyment for interested readers only.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

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Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Art of War & The Prince by Machiavelli

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Terrible MP3 CD, terrible packaging
Good book
Take a Side and Step Along
Essential Knowledge
Two Great Books for the Price of One

The Art of War & The Prince by Machiavelli
Niccolo Machiavelli
Manufacturer: El Paso Norte Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0976072688

Book Description

This Special Edition of The Art of War & The Prince by Machiavelli unites both of Machiavelli's renowned volumes on strategy so that the philosophy and mechanisms for obtaining power and managing power may be seen as a single entity. Possessed of a great intellect, Niccolo Machiavelli was uniquely suited to examine and explain the important details of statecraft.

Machiavelli, like Plato and Pythagoras and Confucius two hundred odd decades before him, saw only one method by which a thinking man, himself not powerful, might do the work of state building, and that was by seizing the imagination of a Prince. With these writings, he has influenced the history of the world.

Machiavelli has so influenced human civilization that the very term: Machiavellian, has come to mean that which is characterized by expediency, deceit, and cunning. A prime example is his advice: "A wise prince, when he has the opportunity, ought with craft to foster some animosity against himself, so that, having crushed it, his renown may rise higher." His advice, on this and other suggested intrigues, has been heeded by various heads of state for over four hundred years.

Other Special Editions in this series that deal with the subject of warfare and strategy include:
The Art of War By Sun Tzu - Special Edition
The Art of War By Mao Tse-tung - Special Edition
The Art of War By Baron De Jomini - Special Edition

Customer Reviews:

Terrible MP3 CD, terrible packaging.......2007-05-30

I was not at all happy with my recent Audio MP3 CD purchase of The Prince. Firstly, the packaging was shotty at best, nothing professional about it. Looks like some dude made this in his garage with a blank cd and an inkjet. Secondly, a few of the tracks didn't even work, for example #2, and #19. As well, at least 2 other tracks were only 5 seconds long. I would recommend staying away from this product and save your money.

Good book.......2007-05-23

I've had the art of war recomended to me by several people. As someone who is in retail/IT, it is an interesting read, but tough to follow. I believe that the version by Sun Tzu would be a little more appropriate for a business/management setting.

Take a Side and Step Along.......2007-03-26

In a world torn by strife, greed and self-interest, Machiavelli's writings are essential reading for intellectual self-defense, if for no other reason. It is necessary to know the enemy and the extent of his intentions so that you might protect yourself adequately. Machiavelli's prescriptions and justifications have shocked and outraged the meek and the pure of heart for centuries.

Machiavelli was a very accomplished individual. His talents ranged over a wide spectrum: politics, philosophy, natural science, and military science. And, he was an expert in the application of cunning, deceit and treachery - the standard tools of politicians in every age. Machiavelli, however, was several cuts above the standards of the time in which he lived.

In matters of political intrigue Machiavelli has few peers - at least none who have had the courage to advocate the extremes to which men should be willing to commit in order to exercise effective control over their domains. His writings have served as a roadmap for the unscrupulous for several centuries.

It is not necessary to agree with the teachings of Machiavelli in order to appreciate the effectiveness of his advice, but you cannot - in this world - afford to be ignorant of his advice. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. With only limited information as to which side of a conflict might be in the right, we should, of course, stay on the sidelines. Unfortunately we are too often required to take a side and step along. Machiavelli suggested that you always pick the winning side - regardless of its hypothetical merit.

In a world where honor, integrity, kindness and generosity of spirit are totally absent, the ruthless, cruel and logical courses of action - the paths to success - are precisely what Machiavelli advocated. To him, nothing else made sense. He pointed out that those who refuse to accept their unpleasant realities and instead retreat into untenable fantasies, are the ready-made victims for the ruthless.

Machiavelli's minions, the clerics, politicians and merchants who have taken his advice to heart, have succeeded far beyond the bounds of their unaided imaginations. P. T. Barnum's observation, that: "There's a sucker born every minute", is right in tune with the philosophical outlook of Machiavelli. He would have agreed with the premise: "If God had not meant for them to be sheared, he would not have made them sheep." He would, however, have pointed out: "You can shear them many times, but you can only skin them once."

Essential Knowledge.......2006-12-08

Machiavelli had to be extraordinarily brave to say, out loud, and publish the view that power for the sake of power was its own justification; that the ultimate morality of any action was determined by its success in obtaining and maintaining power. This idea has influenced world politics most profoundly. Going into a political debate, or even just passing through this world, without being aware of the cold, calculating mindset that considers that obtaining and wielding power to be the most important aim in life is like going into battle unarmed.

However reprehensible some might think that the philosophy of "the end justifies the means" might be, to ignore it, and pretend that it doesn't exist, is even worse. Ultimately, the truth is all we can rely on. Knowing the truth, knowing the worst along with the best, may not set you free, but it can help prepare you for whatever comes your way.

Two Great Books for the Price of One.......2006-12-08

Ever so often you find one of those special books that you just have to re-read from time to time. Machiavelli's The Prince was already on my list. After finding this book, which also contains The Art of War by Machiavelli, The Art of War has also made my list.

The conversational, or rather dialogue, style of The Art of War is very different from the straight exposition of The Prince. The points that are important get argued out by the characters as they explain their points of views to each other. Of course, the dialogues are biased in favor of the views that Machiavelli wished to promote. That was a very popular style for a variety of reason during those times. Chiefly, it gave the author some wiggle room if the book was challenged by The Church (although it didn't do Galileo much good with regard to The Starry Messenger.)

Having both of these books in one volume also serves to illustrate the breadth and width of Machiavelli's intellect, both as a political theorist and as an accomplished writer. There should be no doubt that Machiavelli was not writing for the public at large. His intended audience was the Medici family and the other powerful leaders of his own time. Most of his writings, with these two being the prime examples, were intended to demonstrate just how clever he was to the people who could help his career plans. The fact that he left a legacy that has influenced philosophy and politics for all time was coincidental.

On a more practical vein, this particular edition is a bargain simply because you get two great books by one of the most important figures in the history of political theory for less than the price of the two separate books. And, having both books bound together keeps you from misplacing one of them. What a deal!

Average customer rating:

Simple techniques forgotten in modern war fighting
Really the first Postmodernist philosopher
Machiavelli's The Prince book
It still is hold true over 400 years
Machiavelli's The Prince

Machiavelli's The Prince
Niccolo Machiavelli , and William J. Connell
Manufacturer: Bedford/St. Martin's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

History & Theory | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0312149786

Customer Reviews:

Simple techniques forgotten in modern war fighting.......2007-08-29

The philosophies and applications to leadership given in this book are timeless truths with application in war, politics, business, and personal endeavors. The scope and complexity of Machiavelli's ideas are complimented by their basic simplicities. It can lead one to wonder that is today's leaders took more time to review the ideas laid out almost 500 years ago if the course of modern wars may have been different. Machiavelli's understanding of the difference between occupying and conquering a foreign land or enemy are sadly over looked in today's international politics.

"The wish to acquire is in truth very natural and common, and men always do so when they can, but when they cannot do so, yet wish to do so by any means, then there is folly and blame." Without out making this post about US Foreign Policy I will simply state that the truths of this book are vastly ignored buy those who try to lead today. This book encompasses thousands of years of practical application of leadership all of which has value today.

One of my favorite books and an annual read for anyone in a leadership position.

Really the first Postmodernist philosopher.......2006-12-16

So, this idea of progress of being able all of a sudden to come into possession of perceptions that had not been accessible to us before, meant that now the self could now possibly be seen in ways that it had not previously been seen, and this was the hallmark of Renaissance humanists. When one looks at texts such as Niccolo Machiavelli's, (1469-1527) "The Prince," 1513, it becomes obvious that there is a different kind of emphasis that started to take shape around the notion of the self. This becomes particularly evident when you begin to compare Machiavelli and the Prince to works such as Sophocles and the Antigone. So, Machiavelli's theories of self aware role playing is essentially what he espouses, you have to be a self aware actor and performer. He is really the first; post modernism is always accredited with this notion that identity is performance. There is no such thing as identity it does not have a palpable existence, identity is merely the sum total of things you do, and the things you do are inconsistent. So this thing we call identity can only be the result of this kind of illusory coherent series of actions and representations consequently, the self itself is very questionable and very unstable and people always talk about this as one of the hallmarks of postmodern thinking. What I think is interesting is to read Machiavelli and think of him as the first postmodernist, as kind of a pre modern postmodernist. He has ideas about the self and about identity that come right out of postmodern thinking. He is so much about performing and role-playing, the self-made self, that whatever result you want you make it and you make it by the way you act, and the way you perform. Artful manipulation this is a challenge to the kinds of traditional definitions of the self as inspired by Divinity. In Machiavelli, of course, the Devine has no matter at all it has no place. Only what he talks about Fortuna, luck and not the Devine is what plays the ultimate role in determining the kind of life you are going to have. She quotes him "Fortune is the arbiter of ½ the things we do the other ½ to be controlled by ourselves." Therefore, there you have it, ½ luck, ½ our determination and your will so, that is about all you have to go on. So, where does that leave you, the luck part you can't do much about. Therefore, you have to focus on the ½ that you can do something about the ½ that you control. That is what his book the "Prince" is about that ½ and the rest of it you will never be able to control. "The prince need not necessarily have good qualities, but you should certainly appear to have them, you should appear to be compassionate faithful to his word, kind guiles and devout, and indeed you should be so, but his disposition should be such that if he needs to be opposite he knows how. You must realize this that a prince, especially a new prince cannot observe all the things that give men a reputation for virtue, because in order to maintain his state he is often forced to act in defiance of good faith, of charity and kindness or religion. He should know how to do evil if that is necessary." Therefore, at this point you can find this theme of the human agent who can invent himself. Therefore, the person can decide to invent himself. This kind of thinking, I think this is still how we think about ourselves, I think that this is still how we think about identities. This is a very modern idea, and it ties into this very modern idea about taking responsibility for one's self, which we adhere to. It has been just as debatable and just as contestable back then as it has been now. Even in the secular literature of the Renaissance there is always evidence of this kind of deep rooted skepticism about to which the extent we can be fully controllable or fully controlled agents.

Recommended reading for anyone interested in history, psychology, philosophy, and literature.

Machiavelli's The Prince book.......2005-08-13

I was very pleased with the product and recommend it to those who are interested.

It still is hold true over 400 years.......2005-07-21

If you read this book you will probadly never look at the world the same way as you do now. Mr. M strips away the PR , Spin and gives the true way to manage the affairs of man in a successful manner.

Machiavelli's The Prince.......2005-05-02

The work contains some important practical lessons for dealing with conflict in traditional settings. It was written in the 1500s. This period was years before the classic theories on organizational conflict matured. An important theme of the work is to change with the times in order to have good fortune. This is a critical lesson because it requires us to be accommodative or suffer the consequences of obsolescence-planned or otherwise. Another pertinent maxim is that it is rare for a republic to be fully organized from the beginning of a conquest or reformation. Therefore, it will be necessary to recognize and incorporate
old institutions into the newly contemplated governmental
apparati.

Nowhere is this principle truer than in Iraq.
The model government which evolves in Iraq may have elements of
old institutions , as well as newly organized structures,
institutions and organizational designs. The details of the
final outcome may allude historians now; however, the process
toward an acceptable organizational apparati will unfold over
the next years. Whatever the outcome in Iraq, the principles
set forth by The Prince will apply. The optimal government organization will flow from the general acceptability
by the various subgroups in the region.

The author states that the conquered must develop a natural affection for the new governing class; otherwise, the territory will be difficult or impossible to hold or cultivate. Conquests in France taught us that it was important to win over the Barrons as a condition precedent to a smooth transition of power.

Machiavelli's work still has some value today, although there are new organizational techniques and technologies to refine the governmental structures and ensure continuity. In some areas, Machiavelli generalizes too much without supporting data to attest to the conclusions reached. Despite some of the more obvious weaknesses noted, the volume contains many common sense approaches aimed at maintaining order in the aftermath of territorial disputes. The work may be enjoyed by a wide
constituency of readers; such as, students, teachers, historians,
psychologists, leaders in government and the general public.

New Art of War, Tactics, and Power: A New Rendition of Teachings from Sun Tzu's the Art of War, Niccolo Machiavelli's the Prince, Baltasar Gracian's the Art of Worldly Wisdom, and the Works of Han Fei Tzu

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Good concept, terrible execution
A Collection of "Common Wisdom"
new art of war , tatics and power
Collected thoughts on daily strategy
The Wisdom of Posterity.

New Art of War, Tactics, and Power: A New Rendition of Teachings from Sun Tzu's the Art of War, Niccolo Machiavelli's the Prince, Baltasar Gracian's the Art of Worldly Wisdom, and the Works of Han Fei Tzu
Rodney Ohebsion
Manufacturer: Immediex Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932968237

Book Description

The New Art of War, Tactics, and Power is a new and unique text that represents some of the finest insights the world has ever produced on subjects such as strategy, leadership, management, power, and persuasion. Author Rodney Ohebsion has created a new rendition of material from four classic and legendary texts:

- The Art of War, an Ancient Chinese book of military tactics formulated by military strategist Sun Tzu

- The Prince, a guide on how to be an effective ruler and stay in power, written by Italian political theorist Niccolo Machiavelli in 1513

- The Art of Worldly Wisdom, a collection of various life strategy tactics written by Spanish Jesuit and philosopher Baltasar Gracian in 1647

- The Han Fei Tzu, an Ancient Chinese text written by the Legalist philosopher Han Fei Tzu, dealing with subjects such as authority, laws, rewards, punishments, and persuasion

The New Art of War, Tactics, and Power takes key ideas and selections from these texts, makes some new variations, additions and condensations, and puts everything in a new organization--resulting in a "new classic" that is the world's most powerful power manual ever.

Customer Reviews:

Good concept, terrible execution.......2007-07-13

I've been looking for a condensed tactics book for a while, but this only goes so far. Ignoring the occasional typographical error, the book is completely underwritten. Page 39 spans all of five lines of text and there is nothing on its opposite side. It seems that no analysis of the strategies has been offered, but rather a summary of key points of the books that the cover of the book so proudly shows off.

Don't buy this because of the price. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is a vastly superior book to this, and it costs only $2 more.

A Collection of "Common Wisdom".......2007-06-08

I was looking for the Art of War by Sun Tzu on Bookins and found this "updated" version of Sun Tzu's teachings which has been compiled along with teachings from three others. I was not sure what to expect so I was neither delighted nor disappointed by what I received.

New Art of War is a very easy read. It's only 152 pages long and almost half of those pages are blank back sides and/or only half filled. The lessons are (mostly) presented in very quick, short bursts which make them easy to read and digest.

While I wouldn't say that this is not a very business-oriented book, there are business principles that can be gleaned for most business leaders. Most of the insight is "common" knowledge, especially since these writings originated thousands of years ago, but having a collection from these four philosophers in one place makes for a good read.

new art of war , tatics and power.......2007-05-12

a colosal waste of money and paper to print it on . wanted to return it but didn't get it returned in the allowed amount of time . this is without a doubt the worst purchase of a book by me EVER !! didn't give an option for lower than one star unfortunately .

Collected thoughts on daily strategy.......2005-05-20

This brief book collects thoughts from four of history's greatest strategists, the kinds of ideas you can put to immediate use in your business life and daily life. Two of the thinkers, Sun Tzu and especially Macchiavelli are well known in west. The other two, Baltasar Gracián and Han Fei Tzu, deserve to be better known. Rodney Ohebsion's book shows why.

Extracts from all four writers discuss trust, leadership, success, and the factors that lead up to it. Despite separations up to two thousand years, and the wider separations of Eastern and Western culture, there are some stiking similiarities in their thinking. All of them stress flexibility and adaptation to circumstance, for example in Sun Tzu's "Modifying Tactics", Macchiavelli's "Suit Action to Fit the Times," Gracián's "Variate", and Han Fei's "Adapt." Other recurring themes include the value of information (pp. 71, 89, 127), or the preferred kinds of forces for binding the led to the leader (pp. 41, 67, 135). The book is intentionally brief or it could have drawn more parallels as well, for example Macchiavelli's "Lion and Fox" to Gracián's 'serpent and dove.' Unfortunately, the reader must refer to Gracián's own book to see that passage. Only 13 of the 300 aphoristic "oracles" are reproduced here, and the other authors are similarly abridged.

That brings up an important point about this book. It is brief by intent, so it necessarily loses much of each writer's context and general sense. Gracián was a Jesuit priest, familiar with warfare but largely concerned with social the good and bad of interactions. Sun Tzu's goals were different, but relatively direct: his work discusses military strategy only, and applicability in other spheres is just a happy side effect. Macchiavelli, of course, dealt with adversarial affairs of state in many ways, often referring to adversaries within the state or even within the court. Han Fei, however, is the most chilling of the lot. His original, Legalist text is practically a cookbook for totalitarianism. He turns even one's own family into potential enemies. He uses even the happiness of people as a tool for reducing their threat. The full brutality of hard-core Legalist thinking, as it deals with one's own people, is not at all apparent in Ohebsion's extracts.

Still, there is a lot to like in this book. Ohebsion's target audience seems to be busy people who want only the good parts, and Ohebsion addresses that demand. He supplies nearly no commentary, not even the implicit comment there would have been in grouping similar chapters by each author together. There's a lot of white space in the book too, so its nominal 150 pages read like a lot less.

Perhaps best of all, Ohebsion introduces a busy modern reader to classic thinkers worth further attention. For example, I had never heard of Gracián. Extracts in this book motivated me to read the whole of that text, for which I am grateful.

//wiredweird, reviewing a complimentary copy

The Wisdom of Posterity. .......2005-05-08

The New Art of War is a summary involving four of history's richest observors of power and human nature. The ideas of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Baltasar Gracian, and Han Fei Tzu are packaged into an easily accessible book and then recapitulated with modern readers in mind. One can see how this would be useful to those in the business world and how the development of a strategy concerning interactions with others would benefit
aspiring executives.

It was helpful to read Ohebsion's descriptions of The Prince and The Art of War even though I was already highly familiar with the conclusions of those quasi-prophets. Yet, despite the nobility of Machievelli and Sun Tzu the latter two sages, Gracian and Han Fei Tzu, were what really stood out in the text. I was a novice to their ideas and their thoughts before opening these pages. Baltasar Gracian's The Art of Worldly Wisdom is definitely something that I want to one day study in its entirety. His insight on human nature is astounding. The statement, "People must be studied as deeply as books," should be posted on the wall. His injunction against falling into the quagmire of trivial matters is pure gold and a point that is universally applicable to man. With Han Fei Tzu, the fact that his views are galaxies away from the touchy-feely pap ruinously issued by self-help books mandates that these observations be read again and again. Wouldn't Bill Clinton have benefited from Tzu's admonition, "The wise ruler, in conducting himself with women, enjoys them, but doesn't let them manipulate and control him with their requests." Ah, had he followed this there would have been "no blue light/two for one special" during his presidency. Overall, the author does us a great service by elucidating the brainwork of these forgotten masterminds.

I did have one criticism of the book which stemmed from its lack of a unifying, integrating introduction. The ideas of these giants must be synthesized for the reader and presented as one vision. Thta is essential. The author needs to let the reader know why these minds are so exceptional and also what their application is to the present day. Certainly, once we read the book we can figure that out for ourselves (hopefully) but a strong preliminary statement would have been useful. Regrettably, it was absent.

The Prince, On War & The Art of War - Three All-Time Classics On Politics & War

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The Prince, On War & The Art of War - Three All-Time Classics On Politics & War
Niccolo Machiavelli , Carl von Clausewitz , and Antoine Henri de Jomini
Manufacturer: Arc Manor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0978653653

Book Description

For the first time ever, three of the greatest treatises on politics and war ever written, in one beautiful volume.******This book contains the complete texts of Machiavelli's The Prince and Jomini's The Art of War, and an abridged version of On War by Clausewitz.

The Prince - Special Edition with Machiavelli's Description of the Methods of Murder Adopted by Duke Valentino & the Life of Castruccio Castracani

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The Prince - Special Edition with Machiavelli's Description of the Methods of Murder Adopted by Duke Valentino & the Life of Castruccio Castracani
Niccolò Machiavelli
Manufacturer: Arc Manor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0978653661

Book Description

This edition faithfully reprints the full text of the classic translation by W.K. Marriott with the translator's introduction. It also includes two additional pieces by Machiavelli. The first provides a fascinating description of the methods of murder adopted by Duke Valentino, and the second is a writing on the life of Castruccio Castracani of Lucca.****** Machiavelli's The Prince is the ultimate guide to power politics and is still considered essential reading for politicians, statesmen and leaders five hundred years after it was written. Shocking in its candor and honesty and disturbing because of its continued relevance to current politics, this is a classic that has truly stood the test of time.

Machiavellian Poker Strategy: How to Play Like a Prince and Rule the Poker Table

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Wow!

Machiavellian Poker Strategy: How to Play Like a Prince and Rule the Poker Table
David Apostolico
Manufacturer: Lyle Stuart
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0818406518

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2006-11-05

As someone who was an English Lit major and an obsessed poker player, I can't think of a better book than Mr. Apostolico's Machiavellian Poker Strategy. I loved it! A real thinking man's approach based on one of the most compelling books of all time. Mr. Apostolico has written many great books, which I implore you to get. But, personally, this is my favorite.

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Wonderful edition
The virtues of Machiavelli

The Prince (Oxford World's Classics)
Niccolo Machiavelli
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 019280426X

Book Description

'A prince must not have any other object nor any other thought...but war, its institutions, and its discipline; because that is the only art befitting one who commands.' When Machiavelli's brief treatise on Renaissance statecraft and princely power was posthumously published in 1532, it generated a debate that has raged unabated until the present day. Based upon Machiavelli's first-hand experience as an emissary of the Florentine Republic to the courts of Europe, The Prince analyses the usually violent means by which men seize, retain, and lose political power. Machiavelli added a dimension of incisive realism to one of the major philosophical and political issues of his time, especially the relationship between public deeds and private morality. His book provides a remarkably uncompromising picture of the true nature of power, no matter in what era or by whom it is exercised. This fluent new translation is accompanied by comprehensive notes and an introduction that considers the true purpose of The Prince and dispels some of the myths associated with it.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful edition.......2006-03-20

I won't expound the joys of reading Machiavelli since many other reviewers have done so. Peter Bondanella's translation is wonderfully readable, capturing both the cadence and elegant simplicity of Machiavelli. While his translation of 'The Prince' can be found in the previous Oxford edition (with Mark Musa) and in the Viking Portable Machiavelli, the introduction by Maurizio Viroli is a pleasant new feature. The introduction covers all of the basic points necessary for anyone new to Machiavelli. For a more detailed introduction to Machiavelli you may also want to try Viroli's book entitled 'Machiavelli' or Quentin Skinner's 'Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction', both of which cover more than just 'The Prince'. Finally, the low price makes this edition a great value.

The virtues of Machiavelli.......2005-09-19

In the course of my political science training, I studied at great length the modern idea of realpolitik. In that study I came to realise that it was somewhat incomplete, without the companionship of The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli, a Florentine governmental official in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. The Prince is an oft quoted, oft mis-quoted work, used as the philosophical underpinning for much of what is considered both pragmatic and wrong in politics today. To describe someone as being Machiavellian is to attribute to the person ruthless ambition, craftiness and merciless political tactics. Being believed to be Machiavellian is generally politically incorrect. Being Machiavellian, alas, can often be politically expedient.
Machiavelli based his work in The Prince upon his basic understanding of human nature. He held that people are motivated by fear and envy, by novelty, by desire for wealth, power and security, and by a hatred of restriction. In the Italy in which he was writing, democracy was an un-implemented Greek philosophical idea, not a political structure with a history of success; thus, one person's power usually involved the limitation of another person's power in an autocratic way.

Machiavelli did not see this as a permanent or natural state of being -- in fact, he felt that, during his age, human nature had been corrupted and reduced from a loftier nobility achieved during the golden ages of Greece and Rome. He decided that it was the corrupting influence of Christianity that had reduced human nature, by its exaltation of meekness, humility, and otherworldliness.

Machiavelli has a great admiration for the possible and potential, but finds himself inexorably drawn to the practical, dealing with situations as they are, thus becoming an early champion of realpolitik carried forward into this century by the likes of Kissinger, Thatcher, Nixon, and countless others. One of the innovations of Machiavelli's thought was the recognition that the prince, the leader of the city/state/empire/etc., was nonetheless a human being, and subject to all the human limitations and desires with which all contend.

Because the average prince (like the average person) is likely to be focussed upon his own interests, a prince's private interests are generally in opposition to those of his subjects. Fortunate is the kingdom ruled by a virtuous prince, virtue here not defined by Christian or religious tenets, but rather the civic virtue of being able to pursue his own interests without conflicting those of his subjects.

Virtue is that which increases power; vice is that which decreases power. These follow Machiavelli's assumptions about human nature. Machiavelli rejected the Platonic idea of a division between what a prince does and what a prince ought to do. The two principle instruments of the prince are force and propaganda, and the prince, in order to increase power (virtue) ought to employ force completely and ruthlessly, and propaganda wisely, backed up by force. Of course, for Machiavelli, the chief propaganda vehicle is that of religion.

Whoever reads Roman history attentively will see in how great a degree religion served in the command of the armies, in uniting the people and keeping them well conducted, and in covering the wicked with shame.

Machiavelli has been credited with giving ruthless strategies (the example of a new political ruler killing the deposed ruler and the ruler's family to prevent usurpation and plotting is well known) -- it is hard to enact many in current politics in a literal way, but many of his strategies can still be seen in electioneering at every level, in national and international relations, and even in corporate and family internal 'politics'. In fact, I have found fewer more Machiavellian types than in church politics!

Of course, these people would be considered 'virtuous' in Machiavellian terms -- doing what is necessary to increase power and authority.

The title of this piece -- the virtues of Machiavelli, must be considered in this frame; certainly in no way virtuous by current standards, but then, it shows, not all have the same standards. Be careful of the words you use -- they may have differing definitions.

Perhaps if Machiavelli had lived a bit later, and been informed by the general rise of science as a rational underpinning to the world, he might have been able to accept less of a degree of randomness in the universe. Perhaps he would have modified his views. Perhaps not -- after all, the realpolitikers of this age are aware of the scientific framework of the universe, and still pursue their courses.

This is an important work, intriguing in many respects. Far shorter than the average classical or medieval philosophical tome, and more accessible by current readers because of a greater familiarity with politics than, say, metaphysics or epistemology, this work yields benefits and insights to all who read, mark, inwardly digest, and critically examine the precepts.

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The Prince (Enriched Classics)
Niccolo Machiavelli
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0743487680

Book Description

ENDURING LITERATURE ILLUMINATED

BY PRACTICAL SCHOLARSHIP

EACH ENRICHED CLASSIC EDITION INCLUDES:

• A concise introduction that gives readers important background information

• A chronology of the author's life and work

• A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context

• An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations

• Detailed explanatory notes

• Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work

• Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction

• A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience

Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.

SERIES EDITED BY CYNTHIA BRANTLEY JOHNSON

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