Machiavelli's 'The Prince' : A Reader's Guide

Machiavelli''s influence on modern politics and the importance of his thought for the development of modern political ideas has long been universally acknowledged. The Prince has become a key text in Philosophy and Political Theory, one that is widely read and studied. Machiavelli''s most important work is a hugely exciting, yet challenging, piece of philosophical writing.

In Machiavelli''s ''The Prince'': A Reader''s Guide, Miguel Vatter offers a clear and thorough account of this key philosophical work. Setting Machiavelli''s text in its historical and philosophical context, the book offers a detailed review of the key themes (epistemological, social, ethical and theological-political) and a lucid commentary that will enable readers to rapidly navigate the text. Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of the text as a whole, the guide explores the complex and important ideas inherent in the text and provides a cogent survey of the reception and influence of Machiavelli''s work. This is the ideal companion to study this most influential of texts.