The Prince is a treatise that systematically charts the best strategies for successful governing. It unapologetically places realism above idealism, showing would-be kings how to get what they want while appearing to be generous and honourable, and advocates that the means — cruelty, duplicity and horror —justify the ends of secure monarchical rule. But it can also be read as the work of a secret republican subtly undermining the despotism of the ruling Medici family.

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, said to be dedicated to Aristotle's son, Nicomachus, is widely regarded as one of the most important works in the history of Western philosophy. Addressing the question of how men should best live, Aristotle's treatise is not a mere philosophical meditation on the subject, but a practical examination that aims to provide a guide for living out its recommendations.

A classic work of military strategy, On War sets forth the theories and tactics of Carl von Clausewitz, a distinguished Prussian general who was notable for his roles in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The book covers a broad range of topics, including weapons, terrain, troops, and leadership, as well as the importance of defense over offence, the balance of power, and the subordination of war to politics. Praised for its timeless insights, Clausewitz’s treatise is often compared to the work of Machiavelli and Sun Tzu, and remains relevant to military leaders.

Written after the capture of Rome in 410 by Alaric, King of the Visigoths, St Augustine's City of God was intended as a response to pagan critics who blamed Christianity for this brutal defeat. Augustine attacks ancient pagan beliefs and relates the corruption and immorality that led to Rome's downfall, which began before Christ, before reaching his main argument: that the City of Man is perishing and only the Heavenly City of God will endure.

・・ときは平安。 背よりながく髪をのばし、絹織物を何重にもかさねて身に纏い、ろくに風呂にも入らず、重みのせいか陽に当たらず運動も足りない生活のせいかよろよろといざり動く女は、こちらを見て言い切る。 「春は、やっぱり暁方よね！」 ——だって空がなんともいえなくイイ！から！！ かわいいもの、しょんぼりしてしまうもの、わたしの好きな花、あこがれの上司、今日あったおもしろいこと。 千年を越えてはいても清少納言がかいているのはむずかしいことではありません。現代語訳もいいけれど、彼女の筆致「そのもの」をあじわっていただければと思います。おしゃべりするように聞いてください。