
The Prince + The Art of War (2 Unabridged Machiavellian Masterpieces)
Enriched edition. An Exploration of Power, Politics, and Warfare in Renaissance ItalyBy Niccolò MachiavelliLength7h 51m
About this audiobook
In "The Prince" and "The Art of War," Niccolò Machiavelli presents a masterful exploration of political philosophy and military strategy that has shaped modern thought. Written in the Renaissance era, these texts employ a pragmatic and often starkly realist literary style that lays bare the mechanics of power, statecraft, and governance. "The Prince" delves into the complexities of political leadership, emphasizing the need for rulers to be both feared and respected, while "The Art of War" offers a systematic approach to military organization and strategy, reflecting Machiavelli's deep understanding of human nature and societal dynamics. Together, these works stand as seminal texts that challenge idealism with a candid appraisal of the world. Machiavelli, a Florentine diplomat and philosopher, lived during a tumultuous period marked by political instability. His experiences navigating the treacherous waters of Italian city-states undoubtedly informed his writings, as he sought to provide rulers with grounded, pragmatic guidance. The exigencies of his time gave rise to his belief in virtù ' the ability of one to shape circumstances to one's advantage, a central theme in both works. This collection is highly recommended for readers seeking an intellectual foundation in political theory and military science. It not only equips them with historical insights but also vital lessons on power dynamics that resonate across centuries. Machiavelli's work remains indispensable for anyone interested in the dark art of ruling and the eternal struggle for control.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
- The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.
- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader erasocial currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different works strengths.
- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the authors overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
- Lastly, our handpicked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collections central themes.
Audiobook details
GenrePolitics and Government
Length7 hrs 51 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 4, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
23Chapter 17 - Of Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether It Is Better To Be Loved or Feared
2Introduction
24Chapter 18 - How Princes Should Keep Faith
3Author Biography
25Chapter 19 - That a Prince Should Seek to Escape Contempt and Hatred
4Historical Context
26Chapter 20 - Whether Fortresses, and Certain Other Expedients to Which Princes Often Have Recourse, are Profitable or Hurtful
5Synopsis (Selection)
27Chapter 21 - How a Prince Should Bear Himself So As to Acquire Reputation
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6Dedication: To the Magnificent Lorenzo Di Piero De’ Medici
28Chapter 22 - Of the Secretaries of Princes
7Chapter 1 - Of the Various Kinds of Princedom, and of the Ways in Which They Are Acquired
29Chapter 23 - That Flatterers Should Be Shunned
8Chapter 2 - Of Hereditary Princedoms
30Chapter 24 - Why the Princes of Italy Have Lost Their States
9Chapter 3 - Of Mixed Princedoms
31Chapter 25 - What Fortune Can Effect in Human Affairs, and How She May Be Withstood
10Chapter 4 - Why the Kingdom of Darius, Conquered by Alexander, Did Not, on Alexander’s Death, Rebel Against His Successors
32Chapter 26 - An Exhortation to Liberate Italy from the Barbarians
11Chapter 5 - How Cities or Provinces Which Before Their Acquisition Have Lived Under Their Own Laws Are To Be Governed
33PREFACE
12Chapter 6 - Of New Princedoms Which a Prince Acquires With His Own Arms and by Merit
34Book 1
13Chapter 7 - Of New Princedoms Acquired By the Aid of Others and By Good Fortune
35Book 2
14Chapter 8 - Of Those Who By Their Crimes Come to Be Princes
36Book 3
15Chapter - 9 Of the Civil Princedom
37Book 4
16Chapter - 10 How the Strength of All Princedoms Should Be Measured
38Book 5
17Chapter 11 - Of Ecclesiastical Princedoms
39Book 6
18Chapter 12 - How Many Different Kinds of Soldiers There Are, and of Mercenaries
40Book 7
19Chapter 13 - Of Auxiliary, Mixed, and National Arms
41Analysis
20Chapter 14 - Of the Duty of a Prince In Respect of Military Affairs
42Reflection
21Chapter 15 - Of the Qualities In Respect of Which Men, and Most of all Princes, Are Praised or Blamed
43Memorable Quotes
22Chapter 16 - Of Liberality and Miserliness