The Prince is a political treatise written and published in the 16th century by Italian diplomat and political theorist Niccolo Machiavelli. One cannot study politics without reading this classic. The Prince differed from other political treatises of the time because Machiavelli focused on what made an effective ruler rather than a virtuous ruler. Some of the main ideas of The Prince include: an effective ruler must be skilled in the art of war, an effective ruler must sometimes be cruel, and the ends justify the means. Because Machiavelli's treatise seemed like a guide for being a tyrant, it was controversial at the time and remains controversial today. The Prince was published after Machiavelli's death, but the book tarnished his reputation. The term '' Machiavellian'' refers to a person who uses deception and manipulation to get his way.