Who wrote the classic political treatise "The Prince", which is often cited as one of the earliest works of modern political thought?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about political philosophy and classic books. "The Prince" is a well known treatise that discusses power, statecraft and the behaviour of rulers. Understanding who wrote it helps students connect early modern European history with the development of political ideas.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The book title is "The Prince".
• It is a political treatise, not a novel or play.
• Options include Niccolo Machiavelli and three other authors from different literary traditions.
• Only one of these names is historically associated with this work.

Concept / Approach:
Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian diplomat and political thinker of the Renaissance, wrote "The Prince". The book is often viewed as a guide to practical politics and power, leading to the term Machiavellian. Bernard Shaw and Emile Zola are later literary authors, and V. S. Sharma does not figure in standard accounts of this classic text. Therefore, the correct answer is Machiavelli.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Machiavelli name is directly linked to the phrase Machiavellian politics, which comes from interpretations of "The Prince". Step 2: Recognise that the work was written in the context of Renaissance Italy, focusing on princes, principalities and the use of power. Step 3: Compare the options. Bernard Shaw is an English language playwright, Emile Zola is a French novelist, and V. S. Sharma is not widely recorded as the writer of this treatise. Step 4: Since "The Prince" is always discussed in relation to Machiavelli, he must be the author. Step 5: Choose Niccolo Machiavelli as the final answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any reliable textbook on political science or European history mentions Machiavelli and "The Prince" together. The author biography, historical impact and criticism are all organised around his name. You will not find this work credited to Shaw, Zola or Sharma in academic writings, which confirms the correct pairing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bernard Shaw wrote plays focusing on social criticism, and Emile Zola wrote novels associated with naturalism in French literature. Neither wrote short political manuals for princes. V. S. Sharma appears only as a distractor and is not connected with "The Prince" in recognised bibliographies.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners remember hearing about "The Prince" but forget the exact name of its author and may guess from the list of famous writers. To avoid confusion, link Machiavelli with ideas like realpolitik and statecraft in your memory. Thinking of the term Machiavellian politics when you read "The Prince" in a question makes it easy to recall the correct author quickly.

Final Answer:
Niccolo Machiavelli