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Summary: The Prince
Review: The Prince is a philosophical, one of the first books written for the modern age. The book was written be Niccolo Machiavelli, a diplomat student and student of politics, who lived in Florence, Italy. The book was written about 1513, a period in which the eyes human society were on Italy. Political rivalries were very common during this time period including such powers as: The Pope, The Holy Roman Emperor, The rulers of France and Spain, and others who thirsted for power. For the situation in which these rulers existed, there was no better guide than a handbook on the clockwork of politics, and how to succeed in it. Machiavelli created such a book. The book's structure could not have been better. It started out defining and describing the governmental layouts, and many types of princedoms of which he would speak later in the book. He described how princedoms could be conquered, overthrown, and ruled. Throughout the book there are descriptions of ancient kingdoms, and modern ones. However, the significance of the time period is immense for we are 21st century and Machiavelli was 16th century. This puts a very interesting twist on the perspective of the book, not to mention the wisdom of the writer. As the book progresses he tells the theories of how one should rule a kingdom according to different situations that may occur during his rule. This is how and why the overall theme of the book becomes, "the end justifies the means." Machiavelli, has a cunning use of terms and words of the language, (Italian in the case of the original book). Some parts of the book seem to justify when it is right and when it is not to lie, act deceptive, or become a beast to maintain the stability of princedom, which is of prime importance. The book The Prince is not your average wonderful medieval time story with princesses, kings, and someone who saves the day. It is a true to life philosophy book introducing new theories that had never been considered before. It is a book full of tactics, and all the ways in which the ancient kingdoms were ruled. And whether it be called a historical book, philosophical, or a theoretical book, it has been talked of more than most other books, and that is for one reason alone, it is a great book.
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Summary: The reviewers display their own integrity.
Review: I believe The Prince is an excellent source for those interested in the subject, but it may be a bit too complex for young or new readers to political science. Also have caution: you can tell quite a bit about the reviewers' integrity from their spelling and grammatical errors--especially in a work of this nature.
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Summary: Suffering from insomnia? Read this book!
Review: This is probably one of the most backwards and boring books I've ever read. It is a complete waist of time, unless you plan on becoming some sort of ruler, and even then I'd pass it up. Steer clear of this one.
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Summary: Excellent. Deep insight into Human behaviour
Review: This is a classic. It is about Power. Niccolo Machiavelli's fundamental insight into Human behaviour can assist us in both business and personal life. I am not suggesting we should follow his observations, rather be aware of them and know that some people/corporations/entities we encounter will exhibit the behaviour he has observed.
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Summary: Simply wonderful!
Review: Simply wonderful! No not Machiavelli, who does not need my praise and is beyond the reach of my criticism. I mean the reading of The Prince on this audio tape by Fritz Weaver, an excellent actor with a deep, impressive voice. Weaver is a great stage actor and I once had the privilege of seeing him perform in New York City. He has done very few films, but you may remember some of his fine work on TV, where I first encountered him. He starred in the miniseries Holocaust, and has guest starrred on such programs as The Twilight Zone and Mission Impossible. He is always worth watching, and worth listening to as well.
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Summary: Good Work
Review: A wonderful book though you may find yourself left far behind Machiavelli's reasoning if you don't understand the historical context in which it was written.
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Summary: just... great
Review: Though people that have read this book thought it was pathetic and useless to them.. others quote it to be BORING. Those people probably just had to read it and write a report on it... or maybe some of them just breezed through it. After a hectic semester going through this book i have found it very interesting. How one man, Niccolo Machiavelli, got the attention of monarchs. These high class people looked down on writers unless they were extremely great like VIRGIL or PLATO. Other than that, this common man got the attention of all of the PRInces throughout the region. They followed his ways of being a great PRInce, they succeeded. Probably some people can't relate to this book these days because the times have changed. Our government is different. We have a democracy and if some of u remember in chapter 2 he says he will be talking about monarchies instead of Republics. (like we are) I think we can relate to this book if we can remember how times were doing Machiavelli's time.
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Summary: The First Business Book I have ever read
Review: Actually, this book about political theory is applicable to any organization, not just governmental. Niccolo Machiavelli was a very shrewd man. A book full of pearls such as "Whoever believes that with great men new services wipe out old injuries deceives himslef"; "Without opportunity their prowess would have been extinguished and without such prowess the opportunity would have come in vain"; "And here it has to be noted that men must either be pampered or crushed, because they can get revenge for small injuries but not for grievous ones"; "The first opinion that is formed of a ruler's intelligence is based on the quality of men he has around him"; "But as soon as you disarm your subjects you start to offend them" and many many others. I am glad I am writing this review because it has been such a long time since I went back to my small yellow book for reference.
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Summary: A highly enlightening contradiction to A Man for All Seasons
Review: Although written centuries prior to Richard Bolt's masterpiece on the Anglican saint Sir Thomas More, it remains an incredible antithesis to the doctrine contained within. For a ruler to unify, control, and serve his populace, preached Machiavelli, he must forgo his morals and beliefs for the greater cause of nation, state, and religion. Whether this view is effective or destructive, it remains completely profound and has forever changed Western politics.Many argue that Machiavelli wrote this brochure simply to please the ruling family of Florence, the principality in which he resided. Although correct to a certain extent, Machiavelli's genius for consistency in a political system remain's true throughout. The vast majority of the ideas expressed within this piece are cruel and heartless. The reason for this is partially that a state contains no soul or conscience, according to Machiavelli, but must be devoted to the need for survival and independence alone.
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Summary: An Un-interesting Book
Review: this book isn't that bad... i mean... i've never read a book like this. this book talked of how a prince is suppose to act and stuff! ow gosh... this was a very boring book.... maybe fun and interesting for those with a mind for conquering or trying to persuade people to love them... great for political people.... but for me... and i maybe speakin for others... this was a very boring book.... I don't like the way Machiavelli wrote this... this was just to help him with his reputation... i guess i don't think very brillantely.... well... it was ok... but not good to read just for fun.. cuz it's not fun...
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