The Art of War Box: Book and Card Deck (Book & Card Deck) [Paperback]

Sun Tzu (Author)

Book Description

Series: Book & Card Deck | Publication Date: October 21, 2003

Sun Tzu's Art of War is revered as a repository of wisdom on how to successfully navigate the dynamics of conflict in many areas of life. However, the text's highly metaphorical style can make it hard to grasp and apply in today's world. This unique book-and-card kit will help readers to gain new insight into the text and the powerful philosophy that underlies it. Here, Sun Tzu's core teachings are presented in the form of fifty maxims displayed on beautifully produced cards with commentary on the reverse side of each. The cards are designed to be used as objects of contemplation throughout the day, enabling the reader to gain a deeper understanding of Sun Tzu's teachings and to see clearly how they apply to day-to-day interactions.



The Art of War Box includes:


   •  50 two-color cards, with a principle from Sun Tzu on one side and commentary on the other.


   •  A fold-out card stand.


   •  Guided instructions on how to use the cards to bring Sun Tzu's principles to life throughout the day, at work and at home.


   •  A 160-page paperback, which includes a full translation of Sun Tzu's text and in-depth essays on the key ideas that have made The Art of War a perennial classic.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Art of War was written over 2,300 years ago in what is now North China. Yet it still remains a contemporary lesson on how to attain victory without going to battle. Modern-day warriors find its ancient strategies helpful regardless of whether the conflict dwells in the boardroom or the bedroom. Despite numerous references to enemies, generals, and armies, The Art of War is about nonaggression. At its core, The Art of War offers a sophisticated lesson on "taking whole," meaning staying openhearted and relaxed in order to sidestep a fight--whether you are a field commander, a CEO, or a frustrated mother putting a resistant son to bed. This particular translation comes from the Denma Translation Group, led by scholars Kidder Smith and James Gimian (publisher of Shambhala Sun magazine). Because of the text's obscure wording (even the Chinese find the original document cumbersome), the translators have inserted helpful commentary that removes some of the linguistic barriers. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

This striking gift package contains a wealth of materials: a paperback edition of Sun Tzu's classic "Art of War"; 50 two-color cards with a quote from Sun Tzu on one side and a brief commentary on the other; a stand for readers to hold each card as they meditate on its meaning; and a pamphlet describing how to use the cards for personal growth. "Though the 'Art of War' was originally written for the military, it applies to all aspects of our lives," write the editors, who stress the modern relevance of this 2,300-year-old text for learning how to manage conflict without aggression. The quotation cards are particularly helpful for applying Sun Tzu's teachings to broad situations, and for helping readers imagine themselves as "the sage commander." In addition to a full translation of Sun Tzu's classic, the book also offers three essays on its interpretation. This is an ideal gift for those who might be interested in Eastern approaches to conflict resolution.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (October 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590300718
• ISBN-13: 978-1590300718
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.9 x 6.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,313,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary translation, May 19, 2001

By 

Sonshi.com "sonshi" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of War: Translation, Essays and Commentary by the Denma Translation Group (Hardcover)

A new standard has been set. The Denma Translation Group's Sun Tzu rendering shows extraordinary accuracy; as stated in the book, they "argued over every word." We are quite impressed to see very little paraphrasing as well. And though this emphasis does sometimes break up the reading flow, the group did an admirable job minimizing its overall effects.

In addition to the translation, this book has the finest essays analyzing the many Art of War concepts. Not stopping there, the authors then skillfully explained each and every passage of Sun Tzu. The group's work was recently published in January 2001, but it took them a decade to complete. Wow. Based on Wu Chiu-lung's authoritative Sun Tzu deciphered from bamboo strips (dated 140 - 118 B.C.) found in 1972. Needless to say, we at Sonshi.com highly recommend this book.

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best version of The Art of War I own, June 24, 2002

By 

Reviewer X (Las Vegas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of War: The Denma Translation (Shambhala Classics) (Paperback)

As a student in International Diplomacy I must have read the Art of War in every phase of my education since being an undergraduate. Most books are simply the translation of the book, but no real explanation to go along with the text. Some give some side notes or a long introduction, but the text itself can be difficult and little or no help is given.
This is not the case with this edition, and that is why it is head and shoulders above all others I have looked at. It begins with a lengthy introduction to acquaint readers to the book and give some very necessary background information. Next is the full translation, GREATLY helped by the recently discovered bamboo remains of the book dug up in China, and there is no commentary in this section of the book. Which is excellent for people well acquainted with the work, people who want to read the work without the running commentary, students and scholars. Next are three sections designed to help the read fully understand the text in which they have just read. Not just the ideas about war, but it's applications in many other walks of life. These chapters explain difficult Chinese concepts, the idea of a sage leader, and many, many, other relevant topics.
Lastly, is the commentary. This is where the entire work is reviewed and detailed notes are given to help the reader understand the text LINE BY LINE!! It is not judgmental, while there is a slight bias, it is mostly informative. The bias does not distract from the educational part of the information, but it does need to be pointed out. I will not go into greater detail, the reader can extrapolate from the commentary if they feel there is a slight tinge of bias.
Overall this is the one and only edition of the Art of War you will ever need to own, unless you are going to venture into more scholarly pursuits on the subject and you want to review other peoples ideas surrounding the text. This book will be sufficient for 99.99% of the people in the general public. It is an exceptional effort.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Victory over War, April 6, 2001

By 

Melvin MacDonald (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of War: Translation, Essays and Commentary by the Denma Translation Group (Hardcover)

This new translation of The Art of War offers a deeper view of victory--the "taking of the whole." It's the ultimate win-win strategy. How would a group of Buddhists, devoted to the principles of non-aggression and non-ego, approach conflict and warfare? By seeking victory over war itself! If conflict is inevitable in this world, let us seek its resolution with the least possible suffering. This is a unique book for readers who seek to apply profound strategic thought to helping the world, rather than conquering others.