Italian thinker Niccolo Machiavelli’s reputation rests almost solely on The Prince, ashort political tract written in 1513 that advises ruling figures on how to govern. Machiavelli thought the book would stay relevant for fewer than ten years. Nearly five hundred years have now passed since the book was first penned, and it seems just as current now as it did then. Without question, The Prince has had a huge impact on international polities. It has provoked anger, sparked debate, and influenced scores of historical leaders---bothpetty and grand. But Machiavelli's original intentions; and an uncontested understanding of the book’s meaning, have eluded readers since its initial oublieation.

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

INTRODUCTION

CHRONOLOGY OF NiccoLO MACHIAVELLI’S LIFE AND WORK

HISTOmCAL Correct oF The Prince

            THE PRINCE

DEDICATION

I. OF THE VARIOUS KINDS OF PRINCEDOM,

AND OF THE WAYS IN WHICH THEY ARE

ACQUIRED

IX. OF HEREDITARY PRINCEDOMS

HI. OF MIXED PRINCEDOMS      

IV. WHY THE KINGDOM OF DARIUS, CONQUERED

BY ALEXANDER, DID NOT, ON ALEXANDER’S

DEATH, REBEL AGAINST HIS SUCCESSORS

V. How CITIES OR PROVINCES WHICH BEFORE

THEIR ACQUISITION HAVE LIVED UNDER

THEIR OWN LAWS ARE TO BE GOVERNED

VI. OF NEw PRINCEDOMS WHICH A PRINCE

ACQUIRES WITH His OWN ARMS AND BY

MERIT

VII. OF NEW PRINCEDOMS ACQUIRED BY THE

AID OF OTHERS AND BY GOOD FORTUNE

VIII. OF THOSE WHO BY THEIR CRIMES COME TO

 BE PRINCES

IX. OF THE CIVIL PRINCEDOM

X. How THE STRENGTH OF ALL PRINCEDOMS

SHOULD BE MEASURED

XI. OF ECCLESIASTICAL PRINCEDOMS

XII. How MANY DIFFERRNT KINDS OF SOLDIERS

 THERE ARE, AND OF MERCENARIES

XIII. OF AUXILIARY, MIXED, AND NATIONAL ARMS

XIV. OF THE DUTY OF A PRINCE IN RESPECT OF

MILITARY AFFAIRS

XV. OF THE QUALITIES IN RESPECT OF WHICH

MEN, AND MOST OF ALL PRINCES, ARE

PRAISED OR BLAMED

XVI. OF LIBERALITY AND MISERLINESS

XVII. OF CRUELTY AND CLEMENCY, AND WHETHER

 IT IS BETTER TO BE LOVED OR FEARED

XVIII. How PRINCES SHOULD KEEP FAITH

XIX. THAT A PRINCE SHOULD SEEK TO ESCAPE

CONTEMPT AND HATRED

XX. WHETHER FORTRESSES AND CERTAIN OTHER

EXPEDIENTS TO WHICH PRINCES OFTEN

HAVE RECOURSE, ARE PROFITASLE OR

HURTFUL             

XXI. HOW A PRINCE SHOULD BEAR HIMSELF So

As TO ACOUIRE REPUTATION

XXII. OF THE SECRETARIES OF PRINcEs

XXIII. THAT FLATTEREES SHOULD BE SHUNNED

XXIV. WHY THE PRINCES OF ITALY HAVE LOST

 THEIR STATES

XXV. WHAT FORTUNE CAN EFFECT IN HUMAN

AFFAIRS, AND How SHE MAY BE

 WITHSTOOD

XXVI. AN EXHORTATION TO LIBERATE ITALY FROM

 THE BARBARIANS

 NOTES

 INTERPRETIVE NOTES

 CRITICAL EXCERPTS

 (QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  SUGGESTIONS FOR THE

  INTERESTED READER