Psychology · Business
The 48 Laws of Power
Robert Greene distills lessons from history and figures like Machiavelli and Louis XIV into 48 laws, each with anecdotes, about gaining and keeping power.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1999
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 452
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a bold, cynical tour of power tactics told through history.
Skip this if you value a warm, collaborative approach to work and relationships.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The 48 Laws of Power
- What is The 48 Laws of Power about?
- Robert Greene distills lessons from history and figures like Machiavelli and Louis XIV into 48 laws, each with anecdotes, about gaining and keeping power.
- Who should read The 48 Laws of Power?
- Read it if you want a bold, cynical tour of power tactics told through history. Skip it if you value a warm, collaborative approach to work and relationships.
- How long and how fast is The 48 Laws of Power?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 452 pages, first published in 1999.
- Does The 48 Laws of Power have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Manipulation.
- Can I borrow The 48 Laws of Power for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The 48 Laws of Power; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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