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The Prince  By  cover art

The Prince

By: Niccolò Machiavelli
Narrated by: Bill DeWees
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Publisher's summary

The Prince is considered the all-time best book on political strategy. It has of late become a much-referred-to book for all competitive situations. Machiavelli's name is associated closely with his philosophy, as he well deserves. His other works are worth reading or hearing, as well, especially his Art of War and Belfagor: The Devil Who Took a Wife.

Public Domain (P)2011 Christina Brown

What listeners say about The Prince

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Historically interesting but requires Context

The author makes many quite interesting points, but to understand the examples requires a lot of knowledge of the historical context. For someone not very well versed in the history and politics of sixteenth century Europe it is a challenge to understand the examples cited. The narration is good despite a few mispronunciations. While reading this book, one sees the continuing influence of this work on contemporary American politics. For people who just want a taste of The Prince, there are a few other selections that discuss the ideas without the need for deep historical context.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Problematic

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this version of Machiavelli's "The Prince." Other versions are probably better. The reader mispronounces most of the Italian names which are crucial to the text; why he was not given better coaching on this, I cannot imagine (he has difficulty with some English words as well). It's very distracting, and detracts from the work.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

Would you be willing to try another one of Bill DeWees’s performances?

No.

Could you see The Prince being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Did not disappoint

I kept seeing this book in many reading circles. I finally got around to listening to it. Still very relevant today.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A classic


A must read for people in business and politics.
Still relevant today and in the future.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Translation too archaic

Makes it very entangled to understand. At least for no native English speakers (I just read "The Art of War" and it was a piece of cake compared to this).
Will refund in exchange of a better adapted version.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the greatest books

Very well worth the listen. Can learn an awful lot in under 3 hours about statesmanship and power.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Easy way to read a political classic

This is a short and easy way to read this classic book about politics. It is interesting for anyone who wants to know more about Italian history.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

For Strategists

A must read for students of leadership, combat and strategy.
This is the type of book where every time you re-read it, different sections will appeal to you, or seem to be more relevant depending on where you are at that moment in your life.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I like it

I like the fact that some tips can be used in real life like that we should always pick a side because you might get something off of it.

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