The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli, Tim Parks translation
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli is a Penguin Classics edition translated and edited by Tim Parks. This 176-page English edition presents Machiavelli’s account of political power with an introduction on his life, reputation and the work’s historical background.
At a glance
- Tim Parks translates and edits the text and provides an introduction.
- The introduction covers Machiavelli’s life and reputation as well as the historical context of the work.
- The book examines political leadership, statecraft and the tensions between being feared and being loved.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- A modern English translation is presented as accessible to contemporary readers, according to customer feedback.
- The introduction adds historical and biographical context alongside the original political argument.
- At 176 pages, the listed print length is relatively compact for a classic text.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Penguin Classics |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 30 Jun. 2011 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 176 pages |
| Weight listed | 135 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 x 1.2 x 19.8 cm |
| ISBN-10 | 9780141442259 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0141442259 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers exploring political philosophy, leadership and the history of statecraft.
- Those seeking a Penguin Classics edition with Tim Parks’s translation and an introductory essay.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a contemporary guide to politics rather than a historical political work.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
66% 66% - 4 stars
23% 23% - 3 stars
9% 9% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback describes Tim Parks’s translation as readable and accessible, and the book as informative, timeless and relevant to current political questions. Those impressions suit readers who want a historical work made approachable by a contemporary translation and introduction. Feedback on value is mixed, so the edition’s fit may depend on whether that translation and context are what you want.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the translation as readable and accessible to modern audiences.
- Feedback praises the book as informative and relevant.
Mixed feedback
- Customer feedback on value for money is mixed.
Frequently asked questions
Who translated this edition of The Prince?
The listing identifies Tim Parks as translator and editor, and says he also wrote the introduction.
What does the introduction cover?
It discusses Machiavelli’s life and reputation and the historical background to the work.
How long is this edition?
The listed print length is 176 pages.
What do customers say about the translation?
The supplied customer feedback describes the translation as easy to read and accessible to modern audiences, while also noting that readers find the work informative and relevant.
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