The most famous book on politics ever written, The Prince remains as lively and shocking today as when it was written almost five hundred years ago. It is indispensable to scholars, students, and those interested in the dark art of politics. Widely regarded as one of the sincerest looks at the seizure and retention of power, the lessons Machiavelli learned from Florentine and Roman politics have been used for centuries by political elites around the world. While terrifying in their brutality, they nonetheless describe a world as it was, and can be applied to understand our world as it is. It warns that if a state is not governed properly it shall collapse on the ruler. It describes the art and craft of war. It elaborates on the qualities of a prince and his prudence. It gives lessons in statesmanship and on judging the strength of principalities.