Leviathan vs The Prince: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: Science politique, Ouvrages avant 1800, Political science, Early works to 1800, Essays, Philosophy

Cover of Leviathan

Leviathan Thomas Hobbes · 1651 ★★★★☆ 3.7 299 pages · ≈ 5 h 32 m · Demanding Find on Amazon

vs

Cover of The Prince

The Prince Niccolò Machiavelli · 1515 ★★★★☆ 3.8 176 pages · ≈ 3 h 16 m · Demanding Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 3.7 vs 3.8 — either is a safe pick by score.
The Prince is the quicker read — about 3 hours vs 5 for Leviathan.

Side by side