The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

If you've never read "the Prince" it is a treat. It is a plain spoken assessment of the threats and opportunities to a would-be prince around the middle of the 16th century. Machiavelli has been derided and denigrated for his clear-eyed and simple acknowledgement of the truth of political leadership. However, his insistence on honesty has also preserved a work that endures despite centuries of hostile rejection by some who find his forward facing approach to power distasteful.

If you've already read "The Prince" its a great time to read it again. I can't help but see Machiavelli's footprints around political decisions in every age including our own.