"If one were to assign a single edition of Machiavelli's works, this most certainly would be it" -- John. P. McCormick, Professor Of Political Science, University Of Chicago "Everyone should have a copy of Machiavelli's The Prince, whose original purpose may have been to counsel Renaissance rulers in the art of statecraft but is still applicable to and, indeed, acted on by modern politicians and power-brokers" Guardian "A 16th Century handbook of wily political thinking that tells you how to get the upper hand in every conceivable situation" Mail on Sunday "How amazing, that anyone's ideas should be controversial after five centuries. Machiavelli expressed a certain attitude to power - it's a good thing, and the problem is how to get and keep it - so well that he has never become out dated" Guardian "One of most influential books ever" Mirror