Utopia by Thomas More vs. The Prince by Machiavelli?

Question

I need to choose one of the two for my ap european history class, which do you guys recommend & why?
Thanks [:

Answer 1

The Prince, it has more history behind it, and much more impact as far as the application of the work to European history. Utopia is a great book, but it didn't affect happenings as much as "the Prince". People really used "The Prince" in their decision making processes for many generations.

Answer 2

I loved Thomas More's Utopia. I read it when I was thirteen and was in love with communalism ever sense (I am now an a green anarchist) the only real argument against the proposed culture is that it is highly patriarchal and the use of mercenaries as disposable items. It is also quite entertaining.

I have little desire to ever read Machiavelli's The Prince so I can't tell you much about that one. Except of course the the use if the text as an excuse and game plan for politicians and executives for evil in the pretense of good. It seeks to separate ethics from political science like the other sciences have done (quite unfortunately).

So the choice is weather you would like to aspire to make the world better place (or at least think of ideas for doing so) or become a blood thirty monster (or maybe just understand and gain immunity to their methods).

Answer 3

The Prince is a historical case study of power struggles of Renaissance Italy written by N. Machiavelli, an astute diplomat for the Republic of Venice (If I remember correctly.) The Prince is a historic study of what princes have done and the consequences incurred for good or ill. Moore's served the King of England (His executioner too.) and Utopia (Greek for -Nowhere-as in the place doesn't exist) was a lamination on why mankind's professed believes don't Aline with his actions.

Answer 4

The Prince; it's darker.