| 
 enlarge | Author: Niccolo Machiavelli
Publisher: Wilder Publications
Category: Book
List Price: $12.49
Buy New: $11.24
You Save: $1.25 (10%)
New (13) Used (5) from $11.24
Avg. Customer Rating:  12 reviews
Sales Rank: 49408
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 240
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 6 x 0.3
ISBN: 160459361X
Dewey Decimal Number: 355
EAN: 9781604593617
ASIN: 160459361X
Publication Date: November 24, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
|
| Customer Reviews:
 Two Great Books for the Price of One December 7, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Ever so often you find one of those special books that you just have to re-read from time to time. Machiavelli's The Prince was already on my list. After finding this book, which also contains The Art of War by Machiavelli, The Art of War has also made my list.
The conversational, or rather dialogue, style of The Art of War is very different from the straight exposition of The Prince. The points that are important get argued out by the characters as they explain their points of views to each other. Of course, the dialogues are biased in favor of the views that Machiavelli wished to promote. That was a very popular style for a variety of reason during those times. Chiefly, it gave the author some wiggle room if the book was challenged by The Church (although it didn't do Galileo much good with regard to The Starry Messenger.)
Having both of these books in one volume also serves to illustrate the breadth and width of Machiavelli's intellect, both as a political theorist and as an accomplished writer. There should be no doubt that Machiavelli was not writing for the public at large. His intended audience was the Medici family and the other powerful leaders of his own time. Most of his writings, with these two being the prime examples, were intended to demonstrate just how clever he was to the people who could help his career plans. The fact that he left a legacy that has influenced philosophy and politics for all time was coincidental.
On a more practical vein, this particular edition is a bargain simply because you get two great books by one of the most important figures in the history of political theory for less than the price of the two separate books. And, having both books bound together keeps you from misplacing one of them. What a deal!
A no nonsense edition December 7, 2006
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I have read "The Prince" previously...both in school, and then again as an adult. On a whim, I ordered this book and had a nice "sit down with a good book evening" and really found myself enthralled with Machiavelli's view of the world and how it has shaped political thinking all the way until the current time. Reading Machiavelli's "Art of War" was the perfect compliment to "The Prince". I was also grateful to the editor for not inserting unnecessary commentary or attempting to color Machiavelli's opinions with irrelevant material.
An Appeal to Absolute Reason July 19, 2006
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Machiavelli was a man of many talents and rare insight. His writing skill, the ability to effectively make his points is clearly shown in this edition which displays two different styles of presentation. His "Art of War" is presented as a series of dialogues. "The Prince" is done as a straight exposition. Both are superbly done.
His honest lessons, on how to use power, were revolutionary in their appeal to the rational mind. He pointed out how to profit from the best use of one's assets, and that remorse over spilt milk is a waste of time. Although he advises ruthlessness over kindness, the outstanding feature of his work is the appeal to absolute reason.
This particular volume, which combines his two greatest books, is well worth reading and re-reading. Both of these works are classics that were ahead of their time and undoubtedly will continue to be read and appreciated for another 500 years.
 Great book, horrible edit February 17, 2006
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
This duo is an awesome set of books compiled into one. If you really enjoy the thoughts of war and those of a monarch, you would find this book amazing. The editing in this edition of the book is poor at best and in some places has completely taken away the emphasis of statements.
I personally went out of my way to purchase this book because I have heard so many great things about Machiavelli and his school of thought. This book only reinforces my view of him and his work. You won't find things equivocated in this text; only cut and dry info for every man/woman who plans to take over the world, or possibly a small country.
 Save your money... October 26, 2005
3 out of 22 found this review helpful
or don't be confused by the 'group offer' like I was...this is not THE Art of War...the end didn't justify the means!
waste of money!
First time in 5 years I have been totally, unequivocally disappointed in Amazon and their 'tie in' up sell, 'you'll like this as much as [Fred]' feature...
|
|
|
