The Prince cover art

The Prince

 Preview
Try Standard free
Select 1 audiobook a month from our entire collection.
Listen to your selected audiobooks as long as you're a member.
Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Prince

By: Niccolò Machiavelli
Narrated by: Nelson Runger
Try Standard free

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $16.99

Buy Now for $16.99

About this listen

 The Prince was the first great work of modern political and historical analysis, but it suffered from a tragic flaw: Machiavelli chose as his "hero" Cesare Borgia, the son of Pope Alexander VI, who, unknown to the author, employed murder as one of his tools of statecraft. While Machiavelli had patriotic intentions and praised Borgia for defending his homeland from political, diplomatic, and military attacks, Borgia was unmasked and the Vatican eventually banned the book. The Prince was later studied by Hitler, Stalin, Richelieu, Bismarck, and Frederick the Great.Public Domain (P)1987 Recorded Books Classics Elections & Political Process History Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Royalty

Editorial reviews

The Prince has been of paramount importance in the historical and political development of the modern world. Nelson Runger's performance is clear and thought-provoking, capturing the essence of this 16th-century classic. Machiavelli analyzes the characteristics and qualities of a prince; he explains how a ruler can seize power and how he can maintain it. In his examination of power, Machiavelli is ruthless and thorough. His theories have made him an essential voice in the study of government. Nelson Runger's narration provides the audience with a fresh and indispensable version of this masterpiece.
All stars
Most relevant
Cruel, but in the context of its time, pragmatic advice for a prince. Decent narrator.

not bad

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.