Synopses & Reviews
What makes this well-annotated translation stand out from others is an insightful introduction by editor Thomas G. Bergin–especially helpful for achieving a better understanding of the times and the political scene in which Machiavelli worked, lived, and wrote. Also included are a list of important dates in Machiavelli's life, an index of proper names in the text and notes, and a selected bibliography.
Synopsis
Widely read for its insights into history and politics, "The Prince is one of the most provocative works of the Italian Renaissance. Based on Niccolo Machiavelli's observations of the effectiveness of both ancient and contemporary statesmen, the rules for governing set forth in his manual were considered radical and harsh by his contemporaries and shocking to many since then. This major new edition combines an accurate and accessible new translation with important related documents, many of which appear here in English for the first time. In his lucid introductory essay, William J. Connell offers fresh insights into Machiavelli's life, the meaning of his work, the context in which it was written, and its influence over time. Document headnotes, maps, a chronology of Machiavelli's life, questions for consideration, a selected bibliography, and index provide further pedagogical support.
Table of Contents
Introduction vii
To the magnificent Lorenzo, son of piero de’ medici xiii
1.Types of Monarchy and How They Are Acquired 1
II. Hereditary Monarchies 1
III. Mixed Monarchies 2
IV. Why the Kingdom of Darius, Occupied by Alexander, Did Not Rebel Against Alexander’s Successors after His Death 10
V. How Cities or States Previously Independent Must Be Governed after Occupation 12
VI. Of New Monarchies Acquired by One’s Arms and Ability 13
VII. New Monarchies Acquired by the Power of Others or by Fortune 16
VIII. On Those Who Have Become Princes by Crime 23
IX. Civil Monarchy 26
X. How the Strength of All Monarchies Should Be Measured 29
XI. Eccelesiastical Monarchies 31
XII. Various Kinds of Troops with Special Discussion of Mercenaries 33
XIII. Auxiliaries, Mixed, and Native Troops 38
XIV. The Prince’s Duty in Military Matters 41
XV. On Things for Which Men, and Particularly Princes, Are Praised or Blamed 44
XVI. Generosity and Meanness 45
XVII. Cruelty and Clemency and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved or Feared 47
XVIII. In What Manner Princes Should Keep Their Word 50
XIX. Essential to Avoid Being Hated or Despised 52
XX. Whether the Building of Fortresses or Other Measures Taken by Princes Are Useful or Dangerous 61
XXI. How a Prince Should Conduct Himself in Order to Acquire Prestige 65
XXII. The Prince’s Ministers 68
XXIII. How to Avoid Flatterers 69
XXIV. Why the Princes of Italy Have Lost Their States 71
XXV. The Influence of Fortune on Human Affairs and How It May Be Countered 72
XXVI. Exhortation to Free Italy from the Barbarians 75
Bibliography 79
Index of Proper Names 80