Books that Matter: The Prince

By: William Landon, The Great Courses

Narrated by: William Landon

Should leaders be feared or loved? Can dictators give rise to democracy? Should rulers have morals or wear them like a mask? Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince puts forth unsettling questions like these, whose answers redefined centuries of political wisdom. But what does it really mean to be Machiavellian?

These 24 lectures are more than just a close reading of one of the great books of Western history. They're a revealing investigation of the historical context of Machiavelli's philosophical views, his tumultuous relationship with Florentine politics, his reception by his contemporaries and by 20th-century scholars, and his lasting influence on everyone from William Shakespeare to Joseph Stalin.

Throughout the lectures, you'll dive deeply into the work's most important chapters to survey their main insights; read between the lines to uncover hidden meanings, inspirations, and ironies; learn how scholars have debated their historical inspiration and importance; and discover the author's startling imagery and sometimes beautiful language. Going beyond the commonly held vision of Renaissance Italy as a place of creative genius, Professor Landon reveals the drama and terror of Machiavelli's life and world, including his relationships to the city of Florence, the powerful Medici family, and the villainous Cesare Borgia (Machiavelli's ideal prince).

For those who have already heard The Prince, prepare to engage with the text on a deeper level than ever before. And for those who've always wanted to listen to this important book, this is your introduction to one man's revolutionary beliefs about achieving - and maintaining - power.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

Excellent Explanation The Book and Times

Very informative with details about the book, the politics and culture at the time of its writing, and the immediate impact on Europe and into the 20th century. I was expecting a basic reading of The Prince and this set of lectures is much more.

Magnificent

How Machiavelli describes the Medici best describes this course. Magnificent. Superb introduction with remarkable facilitation of materials.

Great overview

William Landon gives the background necessary to better understand The Prince, as well as the different ways it has been received and interpreted through out history. This has allowed me to better understand The Prince.

Thorough and enlightening

Professor Landon's enthusiasm for The Prince and its author is evident throughout the lectures, which are concise, entertaining, and always educational. He explores the text of the book and its meanings, along with the historical context of Machiavelli's life, his personal biography, and the book's history and influence after its author's death. Truly a wonderful experience.

A Description of The Prince

This is not an audiobook of The Prince, but a series of lectures about it, the author, and its impact on history.