The Prince: The Strategy of Machiavelli (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Niccolo Machiavelli Play Audiobook Sample

The Prince: The Strategy of Machiavelli Audiobook (Unabridged)

The Prince: The Strategy of Machiavelli (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Niccolo Machiavelli Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Peter Batchelor Publisher: Trout Lake Media Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 2.50 hours at 1.5x Speed 1.88 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: March 2011 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN:

Publisher Description

Perhaps one of the most influential and controversial books in history, Machiavelli's The Prince raises issues that are still debated centuries after its publication. The theories he developed in The Prince were derived from his observation of the successes and failures of the ruling class. The Prince was designed as a practical guide for newly appointed rulers and is required reading for all persons in a position of authority who strive for grandeur in business and politics.

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"As sad as this is to admit, I originally was interested in this book because the Danish TV series 'Borgen', about life in Danish politics, has used bite-sized quotes in introducing each episode. I always had very negative connotations to Machiavelli, as I'm guessing most people do today, but as I was studying politics at the time they interested me. Anyway - to my limited mind, this book was a very good analysis of the world of power, without making any pretense of feeling, sentimentality, or even morality. Such a refreshing read, in a world where every strategic move is veiled behind a thin excuse of "it's for the betterment of the people". We want to believe that politicians we've voted into office are after our own interest, and refuse to see power for what it is. Either way, a solid read, that has really solidified my disdain for the world of power."

— Kjersti (5 out of 5 stars)

The Prince: The Strategy of Machiavelli (Unabridged) Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.94444444444444 out of 53.94444444444444 out of 53.94444444444444 out of 53.94444444444444 out of 53.94444444444444 out of 5 (3.94)
5 Stars: 12
4 Stars: 12
3 Stars: 11
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1 Stars: 1
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " EDIT - Realized in a class the other day that I don't remember much from this book. Guess I'll be re-reading it soon. I expect to pick up a lot more from it next time, on account of my last reading of it being a couple of years ago. "

    — Bo, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The proto business school prof. "

    — Alyssa, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is one of those books that I hated but I enjoyed. Because you can disagree with it, but you can't argue with it. Mostly I was just happy to read something for school I actually learned from. This was really fascinating. "

    — Catherine, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My lecturer Robert Dyson once hypothesized - in his inimitable quip-filled way - that Machiavelli must have been rather a bit of a weed bullied by his wife who rages against the world. I couldn't help draw parallels with the Iraq war in 2003 when finally tackling him, and saw elements of Tony Blair in his philosophy. Although I chose to pen my book on Aristotle, I felt Machiavelli was must-read for any politics student, as few writers can better merge candid descriptions of human nature with political discourse. "

    — Chris, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The handbook on power politics and ruthless tyranny. A Western classic. Machiavelli takes you into the mind of the European feudal lord and despot king. "

    — Thomas, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is essential reading for any student of Western history. This may have been a practical guide to leadership in Machiavelli's own time (if such was his intention), but much of it obviously doesn't apply to contemporary Western democratic systems of government for the simple fact that our leaders are (supposedly) accountable to THE PEOPLE, and not the other way around. Then again, one could argue that our modern equivalent of a "prince" isn't to be found in politics, but in the world of business (which wouldn't make the practice of Machiavelli's ideas any less reprehensible, mind you). "

    — Adrian, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Porque los hombres atacan o por miedo o por odio. "

    — LiLitH, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Why do I feel so dirty now? "

    — Joey, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 'Greed, for want of a better word, is good.' - Gordon Gekko "

    — Gowtham, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not sure I agreed with this book, but it was still fascinating to take in Machiavelli's beautiful prose and to wrestle with his ideas. "

    — Ryan, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " While it has become popular to chastise him as hawkish and/or backward-thinking in modern America, an understanding of Machiavelli remains essential in both politics and business. "

    — Scott, 12/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A quick read, and very informative. Reading a copy that has a short introduction from a scholar about the era in which Machiavelli helped get me started. "

    — Jonathan, 11/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Brilliant and informative. The term "macchiavellian" has come to be synonymous with plotting or scheming, but that is undeserved. Macchiavelli speaks of being practical and logical as a ruler, of understanding human nature, and of how to deal with friends and enemies. A short and worthwhile read. "

    — Torsten, 10/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Realy nice pic.. Its boring political but useful in life :) "

    — Ghada, 7/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Readers must research for its historical context before anything else. "

    — Nickky, 3/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " What the heck this guy was all about I might never know. I thought the syntax was fun, a clear sign that all the ideas in this book sped right over my head. Though I do think it's good fun to call those worthy "machiavellian ghouls" "

    — Cory, 1/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Very witty, found it to be an interesting read. "

    — SØren, 10/20/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " the dirty realistic politics methods "

    — Seif, 10/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I have wanted to read it for years. I have heard so much about it that I felt like I had read it. It isn't the kind of book I would choose to pick up and read for enjoyment. Having said that, I am glad I read it. "

    — Ken, 5/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A great preview for the Italian Renaissance. Machiavelli is a true humanist. Read this over the summer. We will discuss right after Labor Day. "

    — Deborah, 2/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Few good sections / observations ... But overall it was not my cup of tea "

    — Daniel, 11/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very interesting, if nothing else. I have no clue how I was supposed to approach this book, but I'm happy I made the attempt. "

    — Kaylee, 7/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A bit outdated, but still a must read for political leaders. "

    — Sean, 6/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " ¿Cómo detectar a alguien que no ha leído a Maquiavelo? Fácil: suele decir "Maquiavelo dijo que el fin justifica los medios..." "

    — Rubio, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Good book for people, who want to thing about good and bad into the politic world. "

    — Alex, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If you watch "The Borgias" on Showtime, you should read this book! The ebook is free. "

    — KJ, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Incredibly eye-opening. Slimy though he may be, tricksy Niccolo's a ridiculously intelligent guy. Now, excuse me so I can go take over the world. "

    — Suzanne, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book lays out Modern Thought, creates utilitarian ethics, and shows the need for man to master nature. This is a pretty important book in looking at understanding modernity. "

    — Jacob, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read part of this for my Philosophy course. I would love to finish it when I have the time. "

    — Mercedes, 5/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Machiavelli is a dick! Awesome read for anyone that either wants to screw someone over or learn how to spot people that are trying to screw you. "

    — David, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I got the chance to read a couple of chapters of The Prince for one of the modules I had last year at university.. An extremely inspiring read. "

    — Erum, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Easy read. Makes a lot of points for how one should rule. "

    — Lucas, 5/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " At its best, this can produce Hitler, Mussolini, and Saddam. "

    — Mohammed, 5/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I got through six and a half chapters and realized that I couldn't repeat anything because I wasn't even paying attention. I'm not sure there was even a plot. "

    — Karen, 5/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Plan to take over a small kingdom? This is the book to read! "

    — Rowena, 4/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Hard book to read, I had to read twice and slow. Sinister and brutal politics and human nature are discussed. "

    — Hugo, 4/25/2011

About Niccolo Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli, considered one of the great early political analysts, is a historical figure in the turning point from the Middle Ages to the Modern World. He was born in Florence, Italy, on May 3, 1469. He was the second son of Bernardo di Niccolo Machiavelli, a lawyer of some repute, and of Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli. Both parents were members of the old Florentine nobility. 

When his literary fame grew, he returned to Florence in 1520, where he became involved in the attempt to reform the city’s constitution. This was the height of Machiavelli’s literary activity and increasing influence. He died within a few weeks of the second expulsion of the Medici in 1527, at the age of 58.