The Prince has been called everything from a handbook for tyrants to a cautionary tale against tyranny.
As a statesman in fifteenth-century Florence, a time when the power of the ruling Medici family was at its height, Niccolo Machiavelli was able to observe the events of political life at first hand. The Prince contains his vision of model government, embodied in an autocratic ruler for whom 'the ends justify the means' in the acquisition and application of power.
History has portrayed Machiavelli as everything from a detestable Satanist to a devout Christian, from a proto-fascist to a convinced democrat. He has been vilified by Voltaire and praised by Hegel. But, despite the controversy his theories engender, he remains one of the most stimulating of all political writers. In this, his best-known work, he displays a penetrating insight into the workings of human nature and society, and much of what he says remains strikingly relevant today.

This is a fascinating insight into political history. It is amazing how a book so short (only just over 100 pages) could have so much effect on so many people!
I will now pass this on to katweeble.

To go to the bottom of mount tbr hopefully to emerge later this year

An interesting book - I found it a difficult book to concentrate on but I am pleased to have read it and seen the theories in their original format. Sandyundead is going to give me instructions as this has been requested by another BC'er. Will post on when the details are sorted out

Sending to Romania for my poor student daughter as requuested - hope you enjoy this Gabi

a good book