The Prince


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.5 stars; 392 reviews)

The Prince is a foundational political treatise by Niccolò Machiavelli, exploring the complexities of power and governance. Written in the early 16th century, this work delves into the strategies and tactics that rulers can employ to maintain control and navigate the treacherous waters of political life.

Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy, a time of political upheaval and shifting allegiances, Machiavelli offers a pragmatic approach to leadership. He examines the qualities of effective rulers, the importance of adaptability, and the often harsh realities of political maneuvering.

Distinct from other philosophical works of its time, The Prince is notable for its candid discussion of morality in politics, challenging the idealistic views of governance. Machiavelli's insights continue to resonate, making this treatise a critical read for anyone interested in the dynamics of power and the nature of human behavior.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Translator 18:32 Read by Chip
The Man and His Work 12:20 Read by Gesine
Author 3:31 Read by Chip
Ch. 01-03 23:08 Read by Kristin LeMoine
Ch. 04-06 19:05 Read by Chip
Ch. 07-08 30:45 Read by Gesine
Ch. 09-11 21:21 Read by Chip
Ch. 12-13 24:11 Read by Kristin LeMoine
Ch. 14-16 16:45 Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
Ch. 17-18 16:22 Read by Hugh McGuire
Ch. 19 27:06 Read by Gesine
Ch. 20-22 23:48 Read by Chip
Ch. 23-26 31:22 Read by John Gonzalez
Appendix 01 16:01 Read by Jim Mowatt
The Life Of Castruccio Castracani Of Lucca 28:38 Read by Chip
The Life Of Castruccio Castracani Of Lucca 41:39 Read by Chip

Reviews

Good read, good recording


(4 stars)

Books recorded by multiple readers are always a mixed bag, but this one is consistently pretty good. Seven sections are recorded by Chip, who reads thoughtfully and expressively.

Thug Book!!!


(5 stars)

This book was just perfect to listen. I enjoyed it so much. I couldn't wait to lissen to it

A must read for anyone interested in the History of the West


(5 stars)

Different narrators make it hard


(3.5 stars)

Ideally, this would have been read by one person. The drastic changes of voice and accent distract from the narrative. Narrator quality also varies. Still, it's perfectly listenable and fantastic book.

Great and insightfull novel, well read


(5 stars)

The book is well worth its reputation and even though we are not all princes I think everyone kan learn from his advice. the history of castruccio castracani an insightfull tale on the kind of monarch he describes. Between the readers tone can differ a lot, but the style and quality is concistently great.


(4 stars)

Very well written and an intriguing, brief look into Machiavelli's time period. The narration quality for some chapters was slightly lacking, but definitely listenable.

Good translation and reading of one of the most important books


(5 stars)

Fantastic I am impressed with some of the reading which is delightful to listen for me as I have lived in Italy, Rimini in the province of Forlì, when I was a kid in 1973 later moved to Copenhagen 1980. The pronunciation of Italian names is delight to listen to aAs I don't get a small annoying disturbance from being pronounced wrong. The last 2 chapters are a fantastic reading and on the reasons of why I rate it with 5 stars

good readers.


(3.5 stars)

I didn’t really enjoy the book. There were passages that were interesting and certainly some good wisdom. and the last 2 chapters were quite good. If all true, I was surprised how much watergate and violence took place during the early 16th century in Italy. Perhaps, as someone said , not much has changed in 500 years.