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Penguin

The 48 Laws of Power

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Arrives Thursday, Nov 6
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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


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • A lot for learn
Format: Paperback
Review Image by Yulissa Martinez de Reyes Yulissa Martinez de Reyes
"The 48 Laws of Power" is an extraordinary read that offers profound insights into human behavior and the dynamics of power. Robert Greene's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, presenting each law with historical examples that illustrate their relevance. This book has not only changed my perspective on social interactions but has also equipped me with practical strategies for navigating various situations. The laws are well-structured, making it easy to understand and reflect on their applications in everyday life. Whether you're looking to enhance your career, improve your relationships, or simply gain a deeper understanding of power dynamics, this book is an invaluable resource. Highly recommended for anyone interested in personal development and strategic thinking! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2025 by Yulissa Martinez de Reyes Yulissa Martinez de Reyes
    • I think this is one of those books every thinking person should own.
Format: Hardcover
This is a great book. I've been reading it for myself and to my kid. He isn't necessarily old enough to worry about leading an army, seducing a French noble girl, or pleasing the Emperor of China, but the lessons in this book are worth learning. I fear this book probably gets a bad rap as a cynical, Machiavellian practical manual for being a bad guy, but the lessons in this book do apply to nearly all aspects of your life, even if you find some of the approaches and reasoning objectionable. It's better to learn these rules from others' experiences, rather than your own blunders. One thing I love about this book is the historical examples used to justify the rules. The author pulls from all over the world's cultures to show you how politicians, business men, military commanders, politicians, and royals played the game of power. It helps bring history to life and makes historical figures more approachable. The sections on P.T. Barnum, for instance, made me laugh at his audacious showmanship. The sections on Louis the XIV brought him to life as more than just some old French guy with a cane and a blue cape lined with ermine (the Hyacinthe Rigaud portrait). The proverbs and anecdotes and quotes sprinkled throughout the margins also add another layer of context to the book. I like seeing how these rules are essentially universal to the human experience and they're found in Aesop and African proverbs and Chinese anecdotes and Shakespeare, etc. I believe everyone ought to read this book, even if you don't personally like the lessons it contains. Additionally, I recommend getting the hardcover version. For me, this book is one I'll be proudly adding to my library for re-reading and I like the larger format the hardcover version offers. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025 by Polarbear
    • A Timeless Classic – Eye-Opening and Strategically Insightful
Format: Paperback
The media could not be loaded. The 48 Laws of Power is not just a book—it’s an education in human behavior, strategy, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways power moves through the world. Whether you're in business, leadership, or just want to better understand social dynamics, this book is a must-read. Each law is packed with historical examples, sharp analysis, and real-world relevance. I found myself highlighting entire sections and reflecting on how these principles show up in everyday life. Some laws may feel controversial or even ruthless, but that’s the point—Greene doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of power. It’s not a book you read once and forget. It’s something you return to over time as your experiences deepen. The writing is compelling, the layout is well-organized, and it really challenges the way you think about influence, relationships, and ambition. Whether you're looking to gain an edge in your career or simply want to sharpen your understanding of how power works—this book delivers. Highly recommend! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2025 by The Baddest Liz
    • May Cause Strategic Thinking (Proceed with Caution)
Format: Hardcover
Before reading The 48 Laws of Power, my approach to navigating the social and professional world was... let's call it "optimistically naive." I figured being nice and hoping for the best was a solid strategy. Then this book landed on my desk, and my brain did a complete 180. Robert Greene doesn't pull any punches. This isn't a feel-good guide to making friends; it's a deep, unflinching look at the dynamics of power throughout history. Distilling centuries of human interaction, strategy, and occasional backstabbing into 48 concise "laws," the book is like getting a crash course in the less-talked-about aspects of human nature. It's filled with fascinating historical anecdotes, from cunning courtiers to ruthless emperors, illustrating each law with vivid examples. While some of the laws might seem Machiavellian at first glance, the value isn't in becoming a villain, but in understanding the game so you can navigate it more effectively and protect yourself. Reading this book felt like gaining a new superpower – the ability to recognize power plays and understand motivations that were previously invisible to me. It's incredibly insightful and, frankly, a little bit thrilling to read about the high-stakes games of the past. If you're ready to move beyond simple pleasantries and understand the deeper currents of influence and strategy, The 48 Laws of Power is an absolutely essential read. It's challenging, sometimes unsettling, but ultimately incredibly empowering. Just be prepared to see the world, and the people in it, a little differently. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to be a more strategic player in life. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025 by MBS
    • Good book, easy to read
Format: Paperback
Great book, easy to read and has my needs. Will be purchasing the others.
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2025 by AGestaga
    • Great Book, Poor Shipping.
Format: Hardcover
The book itself is a great and interesting read. The first copy I ordered, the slip cover was completely wrinkled and messed up. The exchanged copy had a slight fold on the slip cover between the cover and first page. Tired or exchanging. Would be nice if those who pack it took care not to damage the book, its value is lowered now, but other than that - great and interesting read. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2025 by DealsWellWithBS
    • Great
Format: Paperback
This is a must read. I’ve heard about it for years and finally buckled down and read it. It’s not so much a how to manuel as it is stories about human behavior.
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2025 by jr y.
    • I highly recommend
Format: Paperback
A must read!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2025 by John Brown

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