Search  for anything...
Penguin

The 48 Laws of Power

  • Based on 86,472 reviews
Condition: New
Checking for the best price...
$13.99 Why this price?
Save $16.00 was $29.99

Buy Now, Pay Later

As low as $3 / mo
  • – 4-month term
  • – No impact on credit
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.

Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Apple Pay, and PayTomorrow. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Selected Option

Free shipping on this product

FREE 30-day refund/replacement

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Amazon
Arrives Friday, Mar 13
Order within 17 hours and 14 minutes
Available payment plans shown during checkout
Protection Plan Protect Your Purchase
Checking for protection plans...

Format: Paperback


Description

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 – from the author of The Laws of Human Nature. This is the only authorized paperback 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. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Books


Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2000


Edition ‏ : ‎ First Edition


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 452 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0140280197


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 97


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.6 pounds


Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.1 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Friday, Mar 13

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • PayTomorrow Financing
  • Financing through Apple Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Similar Products

Top Amazon Reviews

    • I loved it!
Format: Paperback
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is an engaging and insightful book that examines how power works through history, psychology, and real-life examples. Using stories of famous leaders and thinkers, Greene explains recurring patterns of influence and control that remain relevant today. The book’s strength lies in its clear structure and compelling storytelling, making complex ideas easy to understand. While some laws appear manipulative or morally uncomfortable, they offer valuable awareness of how power dynamics operate and help readers recognize such tactics in others. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read that encourages strategic thinking and a deeper understanding of human behavior when approached with critical judgment. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2025 by Renae!!
    • Interesting read on laws of power, lots to digest
Format: Paperback
I've heard this book discussed a lot so decided to give it a read. It has the most unique formatting I've ever seen is book, which is cool. As far as the laws of power, there is a lot to digest here. The nice thing is you do not need to read them in order, so I have literally been flipping to a random law of power and giving it a read. The book positions these so that you can use them for your own advantage to gain an upper hand or get what you want, but also in a way where you can defend against someone who maybe trying to use them against you. It also tells true stories to give examples of how people have used them historically. Its certainly written in a semi old English style but it's a very interesting read. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2026 by Jason m
    • Popular Book, Facility Restrictions May Apply
Format: Paperback
This is a well-known and highly recommended book. Unfortunately, the book was returned as this item was rejected by the correctional facility my cousin is in. It appears some topics in the book are restricted for inmates, even though the book itself is widely sold and well-regarded. Someone has this book in jail which is how she gave me the name. The return was not due to any issues with the book or seller. If ordering for personal use, it’s perfectly fine. If sending to a correctional facility, check their approved list first, as some content may be restricted. I wasn’t sure why it was rejected at first, but it seems to be due to content restrictions for inmates. Return was easy , will reorder when she gets out ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2026 by kecia avila
    • A great book. Educational.
Format: Paperback
I loved this book. Educational.
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2026 by Iliana
    • Great book
Format: Paperback
I read The 48 Laws of Power and it’s a fascinating book. It’s full of historical examples and lessons about strategy, influence, and human behavior. Some parts can feel a bit ruthless, but that’s the point—it really makes you think about power dynamics in everyday life. Definitely worth reading if you’re interested in strategy, psychology, or personal growth. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2026 by Sam
    • Good read
Format: Paperback
The pages are a little thin and the font is a smaller than I would like, but the content of the book is fascinating.
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2026 by Eric
    • Awesome book to read
Format: Paperback
This book it a great book
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2026 by Iris
    • Tantalizingly Provocative Guide to Power
Format: Paperback
Review Image by Creative Reviews Creative Reviews
Review Image by Creative Reviews Creative Reviews
Review Image by Creative Reviews Creative Reviews
Review Image by Creative Reviews Creative Reviews
Introduction: Today’s world is full of individuals who will lie, cheat, and steal to take the clothes off your back. They will go to any length to manipulate you or others around you, twisting the truth and bending others to their every whim. Undoubtedly, ‘you’ who is drawn to this book, have experienced the misfortune of being victimized by one of these individuals. Perhaps you have thought to yourself... “They’re always 2 steps ahead!” “Somehow, they made ‘me’ look like the bad guy!” “Eventually they’re going to get fired for this!” You always find yourself playing defense, you never know what they’re going to do next, and you simply cannot understand why another person would be so horrible. Take your power back – Read this book! “What is good? All that heightens the feeling of power in man…” - Nietzsche, Friedrich. The Antichrist. 1888. Synopsis: The 48 Laws of Power is a book comprised of tactics, concepts, and lessons which successfully created or maintained power. Supported with stories from history, both modern and ancient, from the most powerful people and empires which have ever existed, each chapter is crammed page to page with value. For 430 pages you will be inundated with information which is crucial for all of life’s situations where power plays a dynamic (work, social hierarchies, politics, etc.). Written with “the old aristocratic courts” as the backdrop and Machiavelli to set the scenery, this book contends with our darkest inner thoughts during our least favorite interactions with those who have more power than us. Things I love: Writing – The writing is very casual so that it is available to the widest possible audience. It can be read easily, flowing almost as smoothly as regular conversation. You will not be left wondering what a word meant or stopping yourself to grab a dictionary. Printing – This book has some extremely creative printing, placing supporting stories, poems, proverbs and more in the margin and printing “images” using text at the end of each law for visualizing a concept. I have not seen anything similar in a formal book like this. Information – Clearly all 48 Laws took an extremely long time to compile and write. You simply cannot comb the annals of history for compelling stories, retelling them concisely, in a brief period of time. This book is a labor of love, and it shows in every chapter. Originality – This book comes off as very genuine and creative. Everything about it from the cover, the red text inside, the formatting, it’s all unique. You can tell a lot of thought was put forth to conceptualize this work. Who Should Listen Instead of Read: Relevant to everyone, “The 48 Laws of Power” is excellent, however I believe there are a few people who would not enjoy their time reading this book. - If you do not enjoy reading or learning history, this book will be difficult for you. The main content of the text consists of historical examples. The book is of medium length at 430 pages, so if this sounds like you, consider switching to audio. - As mentioned above the text is 430 pages, so if you simply do not have the time in your day to dedicate to reading, you will spend a long time on this book. Again, in this instance I recommend switching to audio for efficiency. Note: My product images were taken after reading the entire book over many months. The book was flawless when first received. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024 by Creative Reviews Creative Reviews

Can't find a product?

Find it on Amazon first, then paste the link below.
Checking for best price...