Art of War [Hardcover]

Sun Tzu (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2, 1981

Sun Tzu was one of the greatest army generals who ever lived. He wrote "The Art of War" in the fifth century BC and yet his words are still resoundingly relevant to our modern lives. His writings on aspects of warfare from the laying of plans to the tactics and psychology of manoeuvering an army, to the proper use of spies, resonate for us in today's world of cut-throat, ruthless business. With James Clavell's insightful foreword and notes, this classic is widely seen as a necessity on the bookshelf of military leaders and boardroom executives alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Clavell was born in 1924 into a Royal Navy family. He joined the British Royal Artillery and served in the Second World War, spending some time as a prisoner of war in the notorious Changi prison near Singapore. He later moved into writing, producing and directing films - he wrote the screenplay for The Great Escape. He was also a popular and acclaimed novelist, particularly for his East-meets-West epic SHOGUN. Clavell published his translation of THE ART OF WAR in 1983. He died in 1994.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 95 pages
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (November 2, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340276045
• ISBN-13: 978-0340276044
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #246,092 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic on the priciples of war, May 4, 2008

By 

Steve Burns (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Art of War (Hardcover)

This ancient classic of 13 chapters was written over 2,500 years ago by the legendary Chinese general Sun Tzu. It is a must have for military buffs that enjoy reading about the tactics of the most succesful generals. It is rumored that Napoleon used a French translation of the Art of War to his advantage while conquering most of Europe, and he lost when he broke its principles.
The principles that are with in this ancient text can also be used in games of strategy, business conflicts, and the day to day battles of life.
Here are ten principles to give you a sample of the wisdom found in its pages:

Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance with out fighting.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

Spies are the most important element in war, because upon them depends an army's ability to move.

All warfare is based on deception.

The general who wins a battle makes many calculations before the battle is fought.

There is no instance of a country having benefited from a prolonged war.

The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.

In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. (So they can retreat).

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained, fight not unless the position is critical.

Taken as a whole this is a book of wisdom and principles on how to win. I rank it in my top ten books I have ever read. It is a must have for any home library. The is a very small book that is quick and easy to read. This particular translation is a clear easy read. I also enjoyed the inserts in the book discussing how other Chinese Generals used the principles for success.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting work of ancient China, August 14, 2007

By 

Ky. Col. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art of War (Hardcover)

First of all, I have read the 1983 addition of "The Art of War" which Clavell edited but assume the 1981 addition is similar. Sun Tzu's chapters on military strategy are interesting reading for those who enjoy learning about ancient China or military history. Alot of what he writes is common sense but he puts it together in an easy readible fashion and combines it with some very interesting opinions on strategy. I assume that is one reason it is still read today around 2,500 years later. Some of his views on tactics and strategy are perhaps dated due to technology while others (especially spying and overall strategy) would still have merit to modern commanders. Overall, a brief but at times fascinating look through the eyes of an ancient military philosipher.