The Prince

This political science classic still has the power to shock, just as it did when first published almost five hundred years ago. Fritz Weaver reads in an appropriately detached manner, for it is this air of objectivity regarding the ruthless pursuit of political power that has made Machiavelli's name synonymous with evil. This quality recording begins and ends with ceremonial music, which sets the right tone for a treatise directed to royalty. The unadorned audio performance offers an opportunity to focus on the text of this classic. Weaver reads with conviction, making deceit and immorality sound reasonable in the quest to govern. C.A.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

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