The Prince is Niccolò Machiavellis handbook on power and politics. This treatise, which gave rise to the term Macchiavellian, spurns idealism and presents a brave, pragmatic and at times brutal guide to governance. How does a ruler win respect? Should a ruler be feared rather than loved? Machiavelli grapples these questions with a tough-minded candour and insight. Still controversial to this day, The Prince has had a remarkable influence on modern political thought. ABOUT THE COVER An anatomical diagram reveals itself in the form of a military map; just as Machiavelli reveals the inner workings of power, strategy and duplicity.