Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Simon Callow, actor and driector, known for his roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Shakespeare in Love, as well as the BBC adaptation of A Christmas Carol. This definitive recording includes an Introduction by Tim Parks.

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 about The Prince his name notorious and has remained controversial since. How can a leader end up being solid and decisive, but still inspire commitment in his followers? When is it necessary to break the rules? Is it better to become feared than liked? Evaluating regimes and their rulers around the world and throughout history, from Roman Emperors to renaissance Popes, from Hannibal to Cesare di Borgia, Machievalli answers all these questions inside a function of realpolitik that still offers shrewd politics lessons for today.

Tim Parks’s acclaimed modern translation renders Machiavelli’s no-nonsense first as alarming and enlightening as when it was 1st written. His launch discusses Machiavelli’s existence and reputation, and explores the historic background to the work.

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) was born in Florence, and served the Florentine republic being a secretary and second chancellor, seeing that ambassador and international policy-maker. When the Medici family returned to power in 1512 he was suspected of conspiracy, imprisoned and tortured and compelled to retire from general public life. His most famous function, The Prince, was created in an attempt to gain favour with the Medicis and return to politics.

In the event that you enjoyed The Prince, you may like Plato’s Republic, also available in Penguin Classics.

‘A gripping work, and a gripping translation’

Nicholas Lezard, Guardian

‘Tim Parks’s swift and supple fresh translation brings out all its chilling modernity’

Boyd Tonkin, Independent