'The Prince' by Niccolò Machiavelli. The Mind of a Leader Animation Series gives you an easily accessible introduction to each chapter of 'The Prince' by Niccolò Machiavelli. The series incorporates modern symbols to enhance the understanding of the original text and state its relevance from a modern perspective. Niccolò Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy May 3. 1469. In 1498 he was appointed secretary and second chancellor to the Florentine Republic. In 1512, the Medici family regained power in Florence and Machiavelli was accused of conspiracy, arrested and tortured. With the intension of bringing him back into favour with the Medici family, Machiavelli then wrote 'The Prince', a guide to creating and holding on to a principality. Due to his controversial statements favouring a lasting regime over noble ideals, Machiavelli came to be widely regarded as the Devil's servant. 'The Prince' has become the bible of real politics. A frightening and useful source of inspiration.