The Just Prince: A Manual of Leadership"The Sulwan al-Muta' is an 800-year-old handbook for statesmen written by a Sicilian Arab who presented this advice to a 'just prince' based on Islamic morality, European realism and a broad-ranging knowledge of different cultures. Warm, wise and witty, the work is explicated using straight philosophical discourse as well as the delirious narrative whirl of fables-within-fables so beloved of ancient and mediaeval Oriental literature." "The translators have preceded their presentation of Ibn Zafar's text with a highly original analysis of the qualities any leader needs in order to attain and retain command. They demonstrate that the wisdom found in the Sulwan is comparable to, but far less cynical than, Machiavelli's The Prince. The authors also show that the notion of a 'just prince' is, even today, easily within reach for those who would lead others." --Book Jacket. |
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Contents
Acknowledgments II | 11 |
Foreword by Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan | 17 |
The Significance of Ibn Zafar alSiqillis Work | 31 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
Abd al-Malik able according advice advisors amongst animal answered appear Arab asked assistance authority Bahram bear become began believe Caliph called cause Chosroes commanded considered contentment continued counsel counsellor death desire effect endure enemy example eyes faithful favour fear force fortune give governance hands hope Ibid Ibn Zafar Islam Italy justice king kingdom lead leader learned leave likewise lived Lord Machiavelli master maxims means mind minister monkey moral Moreover Muhammad Muslim nature never Nu'man once patience perceived Persian person political position possession practical praised prepared present prince Prophet reached reason reflection religious remained replied rule ruler Sapor secure seek servant serve sought soul subjects Sulwan things thought trust truth turn understanding verses virtue wisdom wish woman writings Yezdejird young