The Prince, by Nicoló Machiavelli, is an examination of how to gain and maintain political power. The book contains 26 chapters and opens with a letter to Lorenzo de Medici. The book explains the conduct and standards of a great man and the attitude required to create a true princely state. Chapter 1 to 11 presents the different forms a state can take. Chapter 12 to 14 presents the different types of armies and the conduct of a military leader. Chapter 15-23 presents the characteristics of a prince. And Chapter 24 to 26 presents Italy's eco-political circumstances.