Self-help · DarkRobert Greene sets out 48 laws of power, each illustrated with historical examples
The 48 Laws of Power
Forty-eight laws, each backed by stories from history
Viking Press published the hardcover in 1998, although Wikipedia's lead gives 1999, and Penguin Books issued an edition in 2000. Robert Greene was inspired by noticing that powerful people today share traits with powerful figures of the past. The book sets out a series of laws, illustrated with historical examples, and has been translated into 24 languages. It runs to 452 pages. Greene has said that only a few of the laws are overtly manipulative.
More about this book
Who
Robert Greene, drawing on powerful figures from the past.
World
Power and its history.
What makes it different
Wikipedia reports over 1.2 million copies sold in the United States, citing the Los Angeles Times on August 30, 2011. Several US prisons have banned it, and 50 Cent approached Greene about The 50th Law.
Feel
Cool and calculating.
Page count and cover shown for: Selected edition
Further reading
- The 48 Laws of PowerWikipedia