The Prince

By: Nicolo Machiavelli

Narrated by: Ian Richardson

How remarkable that an Italian living in the 15th and 16th centuries should lend his name to a word still in common usage in the English language today. Nicolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) wrote only one major work as a gift for his ruling Prince, Lorenzo de Medici. Machiavelli held office as a senior civil servant for 14 years until the downfall of the Republic in 1512. No longer officially employed to impart advice, instead Machiavelli poured out his ideas and resentment in his writings. The Prince has remained a prominent classic ever since; valued for its shrewd psychological insight, powerful words, and prophetic quality. And even today, it has never lost its power to shock and influence. Ian Richardson's formidable reading of this modern unabridged translation is an accessible and entertaining way in to a truly compelling world view.Public Domain (P)2005 CSA Telltapes Ltd

It brought back memories

I remember reading this for school. I loved it then and I love it now. The guidance it gives a person helps in leadership development all the way to a hostile takeover. Even though I am not a fan of takeovers, I felt I should put this in my review. Ian Richardson gave the writing a sense of historical importance. Great book to read. Great book to listen to.

try another one

narrator was boring and monotonous. made a great book hard to listen to. try a different narrator

Narrator is excellent voice actor

Cheesy shakespearean accent works for the book. Very very easy to listen to him. Natural cadence. Overall great listen.

To be feared

Is it better to be feared or loved? The answer is you must focus on that which you can control and not on what you can not control. Love is given and therefore out of your control. Instilling fear is something that you can control. Great book on acquiring and retaining power, I can't believe that after being exposed to this book over 20 years ago, I finally read it. I will read this one again and again.

Outstanding!!!

An outstanding and formidable reading of one of the great classics of all time by the late Ian Richardson! I have found myself listening to this book everyday and have gained valuable insight into man and his nature. This book is truly a classic because it does not deal with things as we wish them to be but as they truly are!