*The Prince* is the most significant and controversial work by the Renaissance Florentine statesman Niccolò Machiavelli. For many years, the book was associated with the politics of poison and the dagger. Following its publication, the term ‘Machiavellianism’ emerged to denote political cynicism, a lack of moral restraint, and duplicity. Today, however, many of the author's ideas are viewed with greater nuance, having found reflection in the history of the 20th century.