The Prince
Penguin Classics
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The Prince
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Narrated by:
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Simon Callow
About this listen
Brought to you by Penguin.
This Penguin Classic is performed by Simon Callow, actor and director, known for his roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Shakespeare in Love, and the BBC adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
As a diplomat in turbulent fifteenth-century Florence, Niccolò Machiavelli, knew how quickly political fortunes could rise and fall. The Prince, his tough-minded, pragmatic handbook on how power really works, made his name notorious and has remained controversial ever since. How can a leader be strong and decisive, yet still inspire loyalty in his followers? When is it necessary to break the rules? Is it better to be feared than loved? Examining regimes and their rulers the world over and throughout history, from Roman Emperors to renaissance Popes, from Hannibal to Cesare di Borgia, Machievalli answers all these questions in a work of realpolitik that still has shrewd political lessons for today.
Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) was born in Florence, and served the Florentine republic as a secretary and second chancellor, as ambassador and foreign policy-maker. When the Medici family returned to power in 1512 he was suspected of conspiracy, imprisoned and tortured and forced to retire from public life. His most famous work, The Prince, was written in an attempt to gain favour with the Medicis and return to politics.
If you enjoyed The Prince, you might like Plato's Republic, also available in Penguin Classics.
Public Domain (P)2019 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"Tim Parks's swift and supple new translation brings out all its chilling modernity." (Boyd Tonkin, Independent)
"A gripping work, and a gripping translation." (Nicholas Lezard, Guardian)
What listeners say about The Prince
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Happy Hubby
- 18-04-24
The Prince
I loved the narration as its tone kept me engaged. I first read this book many years ago and what struck me this time, with several extra decades of experience of watching world events, political upheavals and wars is how this work is still very relevant today. I believe that all British politicians, civil servants etc should read this because, if they don't, we will be completely outclassed by those leaders and governments worldwide who have!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 15-02-21
banger
'Machiavellie the Don'
2 Pac 1993
straight G yameeen
thoroughly enjoyable.. would recommend to yall
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- David Smith
- 11-03-24
Great to listen to
I liked the book because it is very useful to apply to most of the circumstances what I have found myself in.will definitely listen to it over again.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 18-05-21
I understand now what he meant
many times I have heared the quote "it is better to be feared than loved" used to strawman Machiavelli's arguments by modern people whom are unfond of the misconception that Machiavelli is an advocate for unwarranted cruelty and violence, his own words are far more nuanced and still interesting to listen to.
the narrator is an excellent choice whom almost allow me to smell the parchment and the drying ink In an latern lit study cluttered with books and maps.
I'm off to conquer Italy!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 03-06-20
Great, but not the new translation by Tim Parks
Beautifully read, but this is not the new translation by Tim Parks, as advertised when purchasing the audiobook.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- James
- 26-10-22
dated and relevant advice?
most of the book can be extrapolated to scenarios outside of ruling a people though there are large amounts that are too specific to an era gone by, such as advising on types of cavalry to defeat Spain. these ltd applicable sections are probably interesting to a person studying that period.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 13-07-21
exceeded expectations
I enjoyed every chapter on it's own merit. The introduction brings this story to life and finishes the book beautifully. This book introduced me to Italian history and provoked constant reflection.
Easy to listen whilst drifting between modern examples you find yourself thinking about.
Relevant for any leader or future Prince.
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1 person found this helpful