The Prince is a 16th-century political treatise by the Italian diplomat and political theorist Niccolo Machiavelli. Although The Prince was written as if it were a traditional work in the mirrors for princes style, it is generally agreed that it was especially innovative. Its salient features are: . It is notable for being in direct conflict with the dominant Catholic and scholastic doctrines of the time, particularly those concerning politics and ethics. . Although it is relatively short, the treatise is the most remembered of Machiavelli's works and the one most responsible for bringing the word "Machiavellian" into usage as a pejorative. . It contains a list of principles used to acquire and maintain political power. Machiavelli has created a ruthless guide on how to rule the country in this volume. The book is dedicated to Lorenzo De Medici, the ruler of Florence. The author explains in simple language about the nature of great men and the characters of the government.