The Prince is Niccolò Machiavelli's handbook on power and politics. This treatise, which gave rise to the term 'Macchiavellian', spurns idealism and presents a brave, pragmatic and at times brutal guide to governance.

How does a ruler win respect? Should a ruler be feared rather than loved? Machiavelli grapples these questions with a tough-minded candor and insight. Still controversial to this day, The Prince has had a remarkable influence on modern political thought.