Which translation of Machiavelli's The Prince is the one that should be read?

Question

I would like to read The Prince by Machiavelli.

I've found in the past Penguin's book translations to be excellent compared to some other free sources.

My question is:

Whose translation of Machiavelli's The Prince is the one which is correct, as close to actual source as possible and which should be read?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Harvey Mansfield's translation. I would strongly suggest reading the Discourses on Livy after you finish the Prince. It gives a much fuller picture of what Machiavelli is doing with his political works. I would also suggest Mansfield's translation.

As far as translations of older texts go, I would try to stay away from Penguin.