ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First I would like to thank Anna Biller, who
helped edit and research this book, and whose invaluable insights
played a critical role in the shape and content of The 48
Laws. Without her, none of this would have been possible.
I must also thank my dear friend Michiel Schwarz
who was responsible for involving me in the art school Fabrika in
Italy and introducing me there to Joost Elffers, my partner and
producer of The 48 Laws of Power. It was in the scheming
world of Fabrika that Joost and I saw the timeless-ness of
Machiavelli and from our discussions in Venice, Italy, this book
was born.
I would like to thank Henri Le Goubin, who
supplied me with many Machiavellian anecdotes over the years,
particularly concerning the numerous French characters who play
such a large role in this book.
I would also like to thank Les and Sumiko Biller,
who lent me their library on Japanese history and helped me with
the Japanese Tea Ceremony part of the book. Similarly, I must thank
my good friend Elizabeth Yang who advised me on Chinese
history.
A book like this depended greatly on the research
material available and I am particularly grateful to the UCLA
Research Library; I spent many pleasant days wandering through its
incomparable collections.
My parents, Laurette and Stanley Green, deserve
endless thanks for their patience and support.
And I must not forget to pay tribute to my cat,
Boris, who kept me company throughout the never-ending days of
writing.
Finally, to those people in my life who have so
skillfully used the game of power to manipulate, torture, and cause
me pain over the years, I bear you no grudges and I thank you for
supplying me with inspiration for The 48 Laws of
Power.
Robert Greene
In addition, we would like to thank Susan
Petersen and Barbara Grossman, the Penguin publishers for believing
in this book; Molly Stern, editor, who oversaw the whole project
for Viking Penguin. Sophia Murer, for her new classic design. David
Frankel, for editing the text. Roni Axelrod, Barbara Campo, Jaye
Zimet, Joe Eagle, Radha Pancham, Marie Timell, Michael Fragnito,
and Eng-San Kho.
Robert Greene
Joost Elffers
Joost Elffers