The Art of War [Hardcover]

Sun Tzu (Author), Wusong Lin (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1592650007 | ISBN-13: 978-1592650002 | Publication Date: May 1, 2003 | Edition: 1st

Known throughout history as one of the greatest works of military strategy, the Long River Press edition of The Art of War situates Sun Tzu’s classic text as one of the greatest works of the Chinese philosophical canon. Rather than adapting Sun Tzu’s writings for contemporary genres, this edition faithfully captures the essence of the original text, which continues to make a lasting impact on the world more than 2,500 years after its creation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A welcome addition to the growing body of studies on Sun Tzu's classic treatise about strategy." -- Victor H. Mair, University of Pennsylvania

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Long River Press; 1st edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592650007
• ISBN-13: 978-1592650002
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #453,314 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most important military books in history, October 3, 2009

By 

Michael A Neulander "Political Philosophy" (VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of War (Hardcover)

The Warring States period Warring States Period 475-221 BCE is a history of constant warfare, of alliances and counter-alliances, and of treaties made and broken. The nature of warfare evolved during the period. During the Warring States period, political stability was impossible to gain by adventurous military action. With the advent of swelling ranks of soldiers, protracted sieges, and an ever increasing drain on state treasuries, warfare became a serious matter for study.

Thus, the opening remark of "The Art Of War" states--without exaggeration--war had become the most serious business of the state, the key to survival or ruin. The author of this and other pithy aphorisms on how to successfully fight a war was Sun Tzu. Sun Tzu scholars place his writing "The Art of War" in the Warring States Period, based on the descriptions of warfare in the text. The book has received great exposure in the west starting in the eighteenth century after being translated by a French missionary. It has been reported that Napoleon studied the text and effectively put many of its teachings to good use. For the past 2,000 years, it has been the most important military treatise in all of Asia, even known by name with the common people. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese military figures have studied it and employed its concepts to good effect. This is especially evident in the military tactics of 20th century revolutionaries like Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh.

The book is comprised of 13 chapters. The thesis of Sun's work is one should employ an army after a thorough analysis mandated by careful planning and the formulation of an overall strategy before embarking on a campaign. Sun emphasizes rational self-control, influenced by Daoist teachings throughout the book.

Chap 1-Laying Plans
18. All warfare is based on deception. 19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

Chap 6-Weak Points And Strong
8. Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

The best translation is the Samuel B. Griffith edition

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

By 

Steve Burns (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The 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.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Art of War, January 9, 2009

By 

Stuart Ross "STUBONE" (FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of War (Hardcover)

The Art of War (Hardcoverby Sun Tzu (Author), Wu Sun Lin (Translator)
I picked this version vs. the 5000 or so variations of the masters work on the art of war as it was translated by an author who's name sounded aurhentic, and the book itself stayed true to the basic topics of Sun Tzu original writings. I understand a little more of the stratageies used in his mind and life as it can be used in every day activity, business, lifes, etc. Worthy book...small package with a large message...I think each reader will take away their own message from the author's writings.