A Game of Thrones
by George R R Martin
The boxset of the cult fantasy series. Alternatively, you can get the individual Game of Thrones books in order.
If you want to get a perspective on how the politics of power and ruthlessness work, or simply see some of the thinking behind Game of Thrones, this short, slightly fragmentary book, written in the 16th century, is still the best around. Machiavelli, after a successful career as a diplomat in Florence, was tortured and exiled by the Medici after they came to power in the city state. He wrote The Prince from his exile, possibly as a way of gaining favour with those who could bring him back to Florence.
Summer Reading: Philosophy Books to Take On Holiday recommended by Nigel Warburton
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