"Though the Writings of Machiavelli are prohibited, his Doctrine has nevertheless been practis'd by the same Persons, whose Authority has censur'd them". So writes Gabriel Naudé (1600-53), the celebrated librarian and scholar. In this book he distills his wide political learning into a few general principles by which a ruler can effectively employ "master-strokes of state" to fend off emergent threats and stay in power. This book is of the most clear and cold-blooded descriptions of the cynical use of power, in which "the end regulates the beginning"; everything from religious deception to the slaughter of troublesome populations can be justified. The State is shown to have a strong interest in regulating the beliefs of the masses to ensure loyalty. This book was originally published secretly in 1639 as "Considérations politiques sur les coups d'état". This is the translation of the poet Dr. William King. It was originally published in 1711.