Written in the sixteenth century and almost immediately a subject of controversy, The Prince presents Machiavelli's advice to a ruler who would seek to maintain his power most effectively. Pragmatism and expediency are seen to be more important considerations than ethical ones, and a ruler must be prepared to take actions in the interest of public order that might conflict with purely private ethical concerns. A good ruler must avoid being hated by his subjects however. In The Art of War Machiavelli examines ancient military practices for their relevance to modern political issues, and asserts that military power is at the base of all civil order.
With an Afterword by Oliver Francis.
- ISBN10 1904633811
- ISBN13 9781904633815
- Publish Date 1 August 2004
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 3 March 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Pan Macmillan
- Imprint Macmillan Collector's Library
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 440
- Language English