The Prince

I do not speak Italian, so, when I say that Tim Parks' translation of The Prince is great, I mean in comparison with others. (I had read Robert M. Adams' translation in the Norton Critical Edition not long before I read Parks' translation, and I tried Parks' translation because I like Parks' novels.) Parks' translation of The Prince is great in its clarity; it is written in plain, modern English. The historical material in The Prince, which can seem dense in other translations, flows right along in Parks'. His 24-page introduction and his 14-page "translator's note" are also superb. The latter explains his philosophy of translation and compares passages in his translation with those of others'. The translator's note left me assured, even though I do not read Italian, that I could trust Parks' accuracy; I believe that nothing was lost in accuracy, and much was gained in readability, by his use of plain, modern English. Parks provides very few footnotes, but I didn't miss them, because I was caught up in the text. The book also contains a glossary of proper names, with long paragraphs devoted to some of the names, but I didn't make much use of it, for the same reason that I didn't miss the scarcity of footnotes.

Great Translation with enough references to get you up to speed with the people and event mentioned by Machiavelli. Good introduction too; interesting and not too heavy.

The Prince is considered to be a foundation of modern political science. Well, when you read this translation, it actually feels too modern. Yes, it's easy to understand but there is something freaky when a half thousand years old The Prince sounds very much like a few days old The Economist. However, if you read the introduction, the translator explains the goals he had in mind, what he was trying to achieve and after that it starts making sense. First, you get a very good overview of the situation in Italy around the time when the book was written. Second the translator explains, that he is trying to make that book sound to us how it was understood by the people 500 years ago. They were reading their regular language and in a same way the old forms should not be distracting the modern reader from the essence. In a similar way, the book has built an image over the centuries and the stronger was reputation the more distorted the translations were becoming. So the translator was trying to uncover the sense and feel of the original text without any later prejudgments. Knowing that, reading the translation becomes less peculiar and more interesting. Leaving the translation aside, what can I say about the text? Well, this is true classics. It's amazing how many thoughts, conclusions and advices are packed into a bit over a hundred pages and how important they are even now. It's about the size of a single issue of The Economist, but it can change the way you'll read news for the rest of your life. Highly recommended.

For a book written over 500 years ago, The Prince remains shockingly relevant. Machiavelli’s insights into power, leadership, and political manipulation still echo in modern geopolitics. While the days of overt bloodshed between major powers have faded—at least on the surface—the principles of dominance, deceit, and strategic maneuvering endure. The big players still wage their wars; they’ve just outsourced the blood to smaller proxy states. I may not agree with every idea, particularly regarding neutrality—a disagreement I trace more to Robert Greene’s interpretation than to Machiavelli himself—but overall, the book holds up remarkably well for its age. Also, shoutout to Caterina Sforza. When rebels captured her children and threatened to kill them unless she surrendered, she stood atop her fortress walls, lifted her skirts flashing them, and told them, “Go ahead—I can make more.” What a beautiful woman!

Translations are great, easy to read. Lightly whitened bottom corner and spine in package, but it's straight. Also the front page literally fell out when I started reading. Glue job could have been better.

This book is not for those that cannot think for themselves. Machiavelli specifically speaks on how leaders must be able to receive feedback and advice and proceed to make their own decisions. Every circumstance is different and requires a different approach. Fortune dictates half of an outcome, or decisions determine the rest. Nuanced, practical, and sagacious insight for leaders and those being led. Drop all preconceived notions and form your own opinion of this book.

Tim Parks did an outstanding job translating Machiavelli in a way that can be easily understood. The introduction is very good in providing an overview of Machiavelli's life and historical background. For those interested in reading more about the time period, I highly recommend G.J. Meyer's book "The Borgias: The Hidden History" published in 2013. This is a truly fascinating book about Renaissance Italy and the complexities in Machiavelli's world.

A simple, short and easy to read classic text of politics that everybody should consider not just on reading, but on having it next to one. Written hundreds of years ago, but absolutely applicable on our daily activities. This kindle edition is one of the best pieces I have found.

ممتاز حصلت على نفس الكتاب المعروض بالموقع و بحاله جيدة من الكتب الرائعه التي يجب اقتنائها Excellent, I got the same book displayed on the site and it was in good condition

Excellent book and great service

To be as succinct as Machiavelli himself, this is perhaps, pound-for-pound, the best book ever written about statecraft (and thus, indirectly, human nature). The few hours you need to finish this will be well spent. This Penguin Classic version is characteristic of the series, tastefully bound and well printed for the price while providing enough context to understand some of the deeper meanings that may not be immediately relevant to the modern reader. A must have for any serious bookshelf.

The translation uses modern, straightforward words, so I’m not stuck googling every other line, and it keeps the flow going. The print is big and spaced out well, which makes it easy to sit down and read without feeling overwhelmed. The pages are cut a little strange, but that’s just looks it doesn’t change how good the book is. Overall, it’s a great edition that makes a classic feel approachable, clear, and worth the read.

Truly a timeless book