ABOUT THE AUTHOR Italian diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli is best known for writing The Prince, a handbook for unscrupulous politicians that established its author as the "father of modern political theory." He was born on May 3, 1469, in Florence, Italy.The young Niccolò Machiavelli became a diplomat after the temporary fall of Florence's ruling Medici family in 1494. He served in that position for 14 years in Italy's Florentine Republic during the Medici family's exile, during which time he earned a reputation for deviousness. From the 13th century onward, Machiavelli’s family was wealthy and prominent, holding on occasion Florence’s most important offices. His father, Bernardo, a doctor of laws, was nevertheless among the family’s poorest members. After his involvement in an unsuccessful attempt to organize a Florentine militia against the return of the Medici family to power in 1512 became known, Machiavelli was tortured, jailed and banished from an active role in political life.
About the Author
ABOUT THE BOOK The Prince is a 16th-century political treatise by the Italian diplomat and political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli. Although The Prince was written as if it were a traditional work in the mirrors for princes style, it is generally agreed that it was especially innovative.Its salient features are: • It is notable for being in direct conflict with the dominant Catholic and scholastic doctrines of the time, particularly those concerning politics and ethics. • Although it is relatively short, the treatise is the most remembered of Machiavelli's works and the one most responsible for bringing the word "Machiavellian" into usage as a pejorative. • It contains a list of principles used to acquire and maintain political power. Machiavelli has created a ruthless guide on how to rule the country in this volume. The book is dedicated to Lorenzo De Medici, the ruler of Florence. The author explains in simple language about the nature of great men and the characters of the government.
