A Macat Analysis of The Prince

THE PRINCE is a deeply informed manual of strategy and statesmanship from the Renaissance. Machiavelli's advice for rulers is so informed by real politick that it still shocks readers even today. However, while Rider Strong's delivery is always clear and easy to follow, it is so matter-of-fact that this shock may be minimized. In other words, the production lacks drama. When Machiavelli writes of the need to kill this faction or that, for example, Strong's delivery is too calm for such explosive subject matter. As a result, this unabridged recording is more useful for those already familiar with Machiavelli's classic work than for those new to the text. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine