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Book details

Print length

452 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Viking
Publication date

October 31, 2023
Dimensions

6.94 x 1.48 x 9.56 inches
ISBN-10

0670881465
ISBN-13

978-0670881468

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Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this multi-million-copy New York Times bestseller is the definitive manual for anyone interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control. This is the only authorized hardcover edition in the US.

In the book that People magazine proclaimed “beguiling” and “fascinating,” Robert Greene and Joost Elffers have distilled three thousand years of the history of power into 48 essential laws by drawing from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz and also from the lives of figures ranging from Henry Kissinger to P.T. Barnum.

Some laws teach the need for prudence (“Law 1: Never Outshine the Master”), others teach the value of confidence (“Law 28: Enter Action with Boldness”), and many recommend absolute self-preservation (“Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally”). Every law, though, has one thing in common: an interest in total domination. In a bold and arresting two-color package, The 48 Laws of Power is ideal whether your aim is conquest, self-defense, or simply to understand the rules of the game.

Amazon.com Review

"Learning the game of power requires a certain way of looking at the world, a shifting of perspective," writes Robert Greene. Mastery of one's emotions and the arts of deception and indirection are, he goes on to assert, essential. The 48 laws outlined in this book "have a simple premise: certain actions always increase one's power ... while others decrease it and even ruin us."

The laws cull their principles from many great schemers--and scheming instructors--throughout history, from Sun-Tzu to Talleyrand, from Casanova to con man Yellow Kid Weil. They are straightforward in their amoral simplicity: "Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit," or "Discover each man's thumbscrew." Each chapter provides examples of the consequences of observance or transgression of the law, along with "keys to power," potential "reversals" (where the converse of the law might also be useful), and a single paragraph cleverly laid out to suggest an image (such as the aforementioned thumbscrew); the margins are filled with illustrative quotations. Practitioners of one-upmanship have been given a new, comprehensive training manual, as up-to-date as it is timeless.

From Library Journal

Niccolo Machiavelli wrote The Prince (1513) as an amoral guide to practicing power in a dangerous world. Author Greene (formerly at Esquire) and collaborator Joost, the packager of many books for Penguin Studios, including best sellers like The Secret Language of Birthdays, give us an updated version for obtaining and using power today. The book is arranged into 48 laws concentrating on interaction among individuals. Readers are advised not to outshine the boss, not to trust friends too much, to court attention, keep people dependent on you, use selective honesty, distrust the free lunch, and crush enemies. Examples from classical, European, Chinese, and Japanese history illustrate these points, as do hints from American con men like Joseph "Yellow Kid" Weil. Further illustrations are taken from Henry Kissinger, Napoleon, and Haile Selassie. The book's ideas apply to politics, the workplace, and human relationships as a whole. Moral purists will be appalled by it; amoral survivors will like its frank nature. Schools might want to consider this new interpretation for ethics classes. Recommended for all libraries. [For another interpretation of Machiavelli, see Alistair McAlpine's The New Machiavelli: The Art of Politics in Business, reviewed on p. 90?Ed.]?Stephen L. Hupp, Univ. of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Lib., P.
-?Stephen L. Hupp, Univ. of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Lib., PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Greene is a screenwriter, playwright, and professional researcher. Elffers "packages" books; among his "products" are a book on fruit carving called Play with Your Food (1997) and a book of "personology" profiles called The Secret Language of Birthdays (1994). Greene spent two years compiling and synthesizing this collection of prescriptions for obtaining and wielding power. Besides the obvious inclusion of Machiavelli, Sun-Tzu, and von Clausewitz, there are observations from P. T. Barnum, "Swifty" Lazar, and Clifton Fadiman. In all, hundreds of quotes from 3,000 years of history and lore are included. Each "law" is summarized and a demonstration of its application is provided, supported by the quotes Greene unearthed. The index and bibliography that will come with final publication will make this a usable reference work in addition to one that provides fascinating entertainment. David Rouse

From Kirkus Reviews

of the ways and means of power. Everyone wants power and everyone is in a constant duplicitous game to gain more power at the expense of others, according to Greene, a screenwriter and former editor at Esquire (Elffers, a book packager, designed the volume, with its attractive marginalia). We live today as courtiers once did in royal courts: we must appear civil while attempting to crush all those around us. This power game can be played well or poorly, and in these 48 laws culled from the history and wisdom of the world's greatest power players are the rules that must be followed to win. These laws boil down to being as ruthless, selfish, manipulative, and deceitful as possible. Each law, however, gets its own chapter: ``Conceal Your Intentions,'' ``Always Say Less Than Necessary,'' ``Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy,'' and so on. Each chapter is conveniently broken down into sections on what happened to those who transgressed or observed the particular law, the key elements in this law, and ways to defensively reverse this law when it's used against you. Quotations in the margins amplify the lesson being taught. While compelling in the way an auto accident might be, the book is simply nonsense. Rules often contradict each other. We are told, for instance, to ``be conspicuous at all cost,'' then told to ``behave like others.'' More seriously, Greene never really defines ``power,'' and he merely asserts, rather than offers evidence for, the Hobbesian world of all against all in which he insists we live. The world may be like this at times, but often it isn't. To ask why this is so would be a far more useful project. If the authors are serious, this is a silly, distasteful book. If they are not, it's a brilliant satire. (Author tour) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review

“Machiavelli has a new rival. And Sun Tzu had better watch his back. Greene . . . has put together a checklist of ambitious behavior. Just reading the table of contents is enough to stir a little corner-office lust.”—New York magazine

“Beguiling . . . literate . . . fascinating. A wry primer for people who desperately want to be on top.”—People magazine

“An heir to Machiavelli’s Prince . . . gentler souls will find this book frightening, those whose moral compass is oriented solely to power will have a perfect vade mecum.” —Publishers Weekly

“Satisfyingly dense and . . . literary, with fantastic examples of genius power-game players. It’s The Rules meets In Pursuit of Wow! with a degree in comparative literature.”—Allure

About the Author

Robert Greene, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power, The 33 Strategies of War, The Art of Seduction, Mastery, The Laws of Human Nature, and The Daily Laws, is an internationally renowned expert on power strategies. He lives in Los Angeles.

Joost Elffers is the packaging genius behind Viking Studio's Secret Language series, Play with Your Food, and How Are You Peeling?. He lives in New York City.

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From the Publisher

Banner that reads: The multi-million copy bestselling phenomenon

Banner that reads: #1 New York Times Bestseller. About The 48 HOURS OF POWER

Banner that reads: The definitive manual to help you gain power, observe power, defend against power

	The 33 Strategies of War	The Art of Seduction	Mastery	The Laws of Human Nature	The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
					Buying Options
Customer Reviews	5,343	11,864	11,427	18,484	89,479
Price	$14.99	$18.47	$19.49	$13.44	— no data
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Features & details

Features

First Edition Hardcover

Product information

Publisher	Viking
Publication date	October 31, 2023
Edition	First Edition
Language	‎English
Print length	452 pages
ISBN-10	0670881465
ISBN-13	978-0670881468
Item Weight	‎1.9 pounds
Dimensions	6.94 x 1.48 x 9.56 inches
Best Sellers Rank	#1,200 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1 in Philosophy of Ethics & Morality #1 in History & Theory of Politics #1 in Historical Biographies (Books)
Customer Reviews	4.7 out of 5 stars 89,479Reviews

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Customer reviews

89,479 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this book to be a brilliant guide to mastering life's dynamics, with easy-to-understand writing that keeps them engaged from beginning to end. Moreover, the book includes fascinating historical examples that help bring history to life, and customers appreciate its great price. Additionally, they value its usefulness in everyday life, particularly in the business world, and one customer notes its combination of history and psychology.

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2503 customers mention content, 2245 positive, 258 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and enlightening, describing it as a must-read.AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

...or cannot be applied in the wheel of world but other than that is a great book and I believe it can be useful at work, family time and communityRead more

A great read, practical elements to aid in the navigation of life. Enjoyed the marrying of history which highlights that nothing under the Sun is new.Read more

Good book that keeps you reading. The only minus is that the book never applies the rules to everyday life by naming examples....Read more

I heard this book was a good read and I must say I enjoyed it. I read it cover to cover, walking away from the book with a bit of a new perspective....Read more

708 customers mention informative, 668 positive, 40 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-researched, containing valuable wisdom and useful advice, with one customer describing it as an indispensable guide to mastering life's dynamics.AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

Very informative in how to get what you want by any means necessary and would be an excellent tool if you are seeking becoming a Politician.Read more

...But a lot of historical anecdotes that were interesting and insightful.Read more

...Informative and will become a regular common reread. The only problem I had was when getting the book, it was in poor condition....Read more

Very insightful. Outlines real concepts and opens one's eyes to everyday life patterns. Written in a manner that sticks. ThanksRead more

315 customers mention readability, 248 positive, 67 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a manual that should be read multiple times.AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

very good book. it is a easy read and set up very nice. I like the way they give you the law and then examples as well as explaining it....Read more

Good reading. ThanksRead more

...Great value for money ... a long read.Read more

Font too small and difficult to read. I have 20/20 vision and found this very difficult to read and strained my eyes.Read more

224 customers mention historical reference, 212 positive, 12 negative

Customers appreciate the historical references in the book, which includes fascinating examples that help bring history to life, with each law supported by relevant anecdotes.AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

...Robert’s sharp insights and historical examples provide a compelling framework for understanding human behavior....Read more

...the thousands that I have read..this condensed blend of psychology, history, and order is a significant solution for depression!...Read more

It's full of history, from lots of cultures, spanning virtually all of human history....Read more

This is NOT a how to manual! But it has interesting historical anecdotes. I wonder if this implies that the diplomats were psychopaths!Read more

186 customers mention value for money, 157 positive, 29 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money, appreciating its perfect condition and strategic content, with one customer noting its relevance for entrepreneurs.AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

I'm so happy, I was able to find this book on Amazon! For a great price ! Only down side is that its a soft cover🙁Read more

...Definitely worth the read though.Read more

...It is absolutely worth the price, I will reread this book and gain more knowledge as I will catch certain criteria that I may have missed on the...Read more

...All that said, this book is well worth the read. I just wouldn't suggest reading it like a normal book....Read more

162 customers mention usefulness, 148 positive, 14 negative

Customers find the book very useful, describing it as a brilliant guide for everyday life that helps them in the business world. One customer notes that the tips and techniques are applicable in all situations.AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

...In general, a very useful and entertaining book well worth your efforts.Read more

This book is awesome and made me look back at my life. Helpful, informative, and productive.Read more

It’s a fascinating and very important book. That has a lot of value.Read more

Very useful book. I wish I had read it when I was younger it would have helped me a lot as I was growing up. But no one recommended it to me then.Read more

117 customers mention writing style, 101 positive, 16 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it easy to understand and engaging, with one customer noting it is written in the spirit of Han Fei Tzu.AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

...Of Power is one of the best books on the topic: Well thought out, well written, and well packaged....Read more

...I pick it up and jump back in rereading sections. Very well written. I was surprised at how much I liked it. I recommend it all the time.Read more

...The book is well-written and organized, with each law of power presented in a concise and straightforward manner....Read more

...Brilliantly researched and written, a book that will remain relevant for many generations to come.Read more

112 customers mention story, 92 positive, 20 negative

Customers enjoy the historical stories in the book, finding them fascinating and fun, with one customer noting that each law is accompanied by a relevant anecdote.AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

...-GREAT STORIES...Read more

Great read. Interesting stories. I get lost in the book so much and the stories are just. Great book. On my third read. Cant get enough of it.Read more

...Many vignettes of both fables, stories (whether fictional, rumored, or historical) put the reader in the shoes of those in a position of power...Read more

...book is that it offers a very diverse selection of fables and historical stories from across many times and societies which clearly illustrate power.Read more

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