The Prince

Niccolo Machiavelli

Oct 2013 · Ascent Audio · Narrated by Grover Gardner

About this audiobook

From his perspective in Renaissance Italy, Machiavelli's aim in this classic work was to resolve conflict with the ruling prince, Lorenzo de Medici. Machiavelli based his insights on the way people really are rather than an ideal of how they should be. This 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, or a president. When Machiavelli was removed from his post in his beloved Florence, he resolved to set down a treatise on leadership that was practical, not idealistic. The Prince he envisioned would be unencumbered by ordinary ethical and moral values. Even today, this sixteenth-century classic has become essential reading or listening for every student of government, and is the ultimate audiobook on power politics.

Ratings and reviews

When they slam any White historical figure, I'm going to assume they were actually good. Because Machiavelli is connected to negativity. And those that are elevated, like the American Founding Fathers, I'm going to assume they are bad. And isn't it interesting that we hear nothing about leaders in other countries during this time of this book.

About the author

Niccolo Machiavelli was born on May 3, 1469 in Florence, Italy. He was a political philosopher, statesman, and court advisor. Starting out as a clerk, he quickly rose in the ranks because he understood balance of power issues involved in many of his diplomatic missions. His political pursuits quickly ended after he was imprisoned by the Medici family. He is best known for The Prince, his guide to power attainment and cutthroat leadership. He also wrote poetry and plays, including a comedy named Mandragola. He died on June 21, 1527 at the age of 58.