The 48 Laws of Power

by Robert Greene
The 48 Laws of Power cover
Good Books rating 3.4
Politics and Current Affairs
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Waterstones
Paperback • £19.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 4688
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • ISBN: 9781101042458
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2000-09-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The 48 Laws of Power is a multi-million-copy New York Times bestseller that serves as the definitive manual for gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control. Authored by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers, this book draws from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of historical figures like Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum. Each of the 48 laws offers a unique insight into the art of power, ranging from prudence to confidence and self-preservation./n/nThe book is presented in a bold and arresting two-color package, making it ideal for anyone aiming for conquest, self-defense, or simply understanding the rules of power. Whether you're interested in total domination or just navigating the complexities of human interaction, The 48 Laws of Power provides a comprehensive and instructive guide.

Reviews
Northeast Bylines · 2025-02-10
insightful 4.50

The book is a captivating blend of history and psychology, offering timeless lessons on strategy and human nature. It is praised for its insightful and thought-provoking content.

This review highlights how 'The 48 Laws of Power' masterfully combines historical anecdotes with psychological insights to provide a comprehensive guide on power dynamics. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and the timeless lessons it offers, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in strategy and human behavior. They also note that the book's blend of history and psychology makes it both engaging and educational, offering a unique perspective on how power operates in various contexts.

Quick quotes

    Robert Greene's '48 Laws of Power' is a captivating blend of history and psychology, offering timeless lessons on strategy and human nature.

    The book's insights are both profound and practical, making it a must-read for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of power.

    Greene's ability to weave historical anecdotes with psychological principles is what makes this book so compelling.

Medium · Adi Matti · 2023-01-01
compelling 4.00

The book is a practical guide to accumulating and using power, drawing on historical examples. It challenges conventional thinking about authority and influence.

Adi Matti's review highlights the book's practical approach to power, emphasizing its historical examples and the lessons they provide. They appreciate how the book challenges conventional thinking about authority and influence, making it a compelling read. The review suggests that the book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding power dynamics.

Quick quotes

    This book is all about how to accumulate and increase power to benefit your life.

    The book provides examples of power being accumulated and used by royalty.

    Overall, 'The 48 Laws of Power' is a compelling read that challenges conventional thinking about authority and influence.

Goodreads · 2023-01-01
well-written 4.10

The book is praised for its well-written content and the timeless lessons it offers. It is seen as a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand power dynamics.

This Goodreads review emphasizes the book's exceptional writing and the timeless lessons it provides. The reviewer believes that everyone can benefit from reading it, as the lessons have been tested and utilized throughout history. They highlight the book's relevance and the insights it offers into power dynamics, making it a valuable resource.

Quick quotes

    This book is unspeakably well written.

    Everyone can definitely benefit having it read for its lessons are ones that have been tested and utilized throughout the ages.

    The book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating power dynamics.

Stephan Joppich Blog · 2022-02-26
toxic 1.00

The reviewer advises against reading the book, describing it as toxic and full of contradictions. They find the book's approach to personal development deeply flawed.

This review strongly discourages readers from picking up 'The 48 Laws of Power', labeling it as toxic and full of contradictions. The reviewer finds the book's approach to personal development deeply flawed, arguing that it promotes unhealthy and unrealistic strategies for gaining power. They believe that the book's content is not only unhelpful but also potentially harmful, making it a poor choice for anyone looking to improve their personal development skills. The reviewer's overall sentiment is one of caution, advising readers to seek more constructive and positive resources for personal growth.

Quick quotes

    If you want an honest personal development book, you shouldn't read 'The 48 Laws of Power.'

    It's full of toxicity and contradictions.

    The book's approach to personal development is deeply flawed and potentially harmful.

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