Primary sourceBook1513 (written); 1910 (this translation)
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli · 1513 (written); 1910 (this translation)
An English translation of Machiavelli's treatise on political power, written by Machiavelli himself in the early 1500s.
This is Machiavelli's own political treatise, translated into English for student readers.
About this source
What it is
This is an English translation of The Prince, a political treatise written by Niccolò Machiavelli. This version was translated by Ninian Hill Thomson in 1910 and is available as a full text for students to read.
Why it matters
The Prince is one of the most famous works of political theory ever written. It explores how rulers gain, keep, and lose power, drawing on examples from Machiavelli's own time and from history. The work reveals Machiavelli's sharp, practical thinking about politics and his experience observing the rulers of Italy, including the Medici family to whom it is dedicated.
Look closer
- Why might Machiavelli have dedicated this book to Lorenzo de' Medici?
- What does the opening chapter suggest about how Machiavelli organizes his ideas about power?
- How might reading a translation differ from reading Machiavelli's original Italian words?
This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Niccolo Machiavelli on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
More Niccolo Machiavelli sources
Meet the AI Niccolo Machiavelli →
BookPrimary source
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli · 1513
Primary source
Letter to Francesco Vettori
Niccolò Machiavelli · 10 December 1513
BookPrimary source
Discourses on Livy
Niccolò Machiavelli · c. 1517, published 1531
PaintingSecondary source
Portrait of Niccolò Machiavelli
Santi di Tito · late 16th century
BookPrimary source
The Mandrake
Niccolò Machiavelli · 1524
Ready when you are
Start chatting with Niccolo Machiavelli now.
20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.