Customer Reviews

The Art of Warfare (Classics of Ancient China)

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I haven't read or even so much as glanced at any other translations or publications of Sun-Tzu's Art of Warfare, and as far as I'm concerned I didn't need to. This edition is a wonderful translation, easily readable and understandable while remaining true to the Chinese. In fact, for verification purposes, the original text is contained opposite nearly every page.

The translator starts off with a very interesting introduction probably longer than the book itself; while a little boring at times, it was a very necessary addition. He explains to the reader the history of the various finds that have gone towards completing the text, the structure of the text, the historical background and anecdotes of Sun-Tzu, compares fundamental western beliefs and mindsets to eastern, and generally just analyzes this work and puts it into perspective for the reader.

As for Sun-Tzu's work itself -- it's great. If you read it carefully, you'll be surprised to not how much of this stuff you already know, how much is simply common sense -- but the format and presentation and conciseness of it is astounding. It presents the material in an accessible way that's understandable and readable. Also including here, alongside the initial 13 chapters, are all kinds of Art of Warfare fragments which have been unearthed, most of which are pretty interesting.

This book is a must read if you are at all interesting in war or the context thereof.

By far the best English translation of the Art of War. Only Ralph Sawyer's translation came close but doesn't have the same fluidity and clarity as this book. Why also great: contains the original Chinese characters on the other side of the book, and copious notes to the passages in question. I have yet to come across a better Art of War.

If I were leaving a burning house, I would take my Bible and this book. Roger Ames' translation leaves no room for doubt, and it is a great honor to have this beautiful and elegant book in my collection. It was a treasured birthday gift. Yes, you can believe all the good things people have to say about "The Art of Warfare." If you understand this book, you can readily overlay it on any situation in life: at work, while driving, at home, or at the coffee store. The most important point I learned from this particular translation is the clarity of the interpretation of Sun-Tzu's constant philosophy of understanding correlative pairs (e.g., "where there are birds gathered in the trees, the enemy is not encamped nearby; when he is near, the birds are not gathered; when you are ready, appear to be not ready." There are dozens of such gems of knowledge that make me wonder why I didn't figure out something like this first. I have not read other translations of "The Art of Warfare," and, at this point, would not want to have what I have learned from Ames' translation diluted. I highly value this book. Whatever you pay, it's worth every penny. I even love the smell of the paper and ink, the beautiful fonts within its pages, including the original scripts in Chinese (which I have little hope of understanding). You can learn to write from reading this book, like I have, as there are no unnecessary words, no fluff, just 100% meat. My absolute highest recommendation! Do not think, just get it. Read it, savor it, and then apply it to your life. Others should then be able to tell if you did.

Published in 1993, Roger Ames' book not only has the original Chinese text (a first -- mostly for decoration) but also an excellent translation of Sun Tzu. Like J. H. Huang's edition, it uses the latest discovered Sun Tzu text found in 1972. Of all the Sun Tzu's on the market, it has the most perfect balance between readability and accuracy. In general a fine edition, and one to buy and keep forever. One typographical error, but nothing major. We have seen the author speak and we must say he seems very well informed! Sonshi.com

I have not read other translations of Sun Tzu's "The Art of Warfare,"...in fact, I have not read anything by Sun Tzu. Thus, I had a huge sense of anticipation as I embarked on the legendary text. Yet, I must confess that I was also not expecting much, given that this was a translation.

Depending on the objectives of the reader however, Ames's translation does appear comprehensive. His translation boasts of having the Yin-chúeh-shan texts, which alluded to and complemented the completeness and authenticity of the original Sun Tzu manuscripts. Although his assertions are not entirely verifiable (Ames did however address the sources of the original transcripts, albeit mainly found in China), his simple storytelling of the historical background and the history of the various finds, seems to corroborate his seeming mastery of the Chinese culture and language (he has after all also published several more translations of Chinese strategic thoughts).

Ames seems to have been able to mystically comprehend the richness of the Chinese language. He does a relatively good job in his translation of the texts by cross-referencing to other Chinese materials. His introduction comprising one-third of the entire book, is devoted to explaining the background to the texts as well as other views to make the read creditable. That his introduction is long does seem boring to the non-consummate and casual readers. Yet, it was a very necessary torment. Ames bothers explaining the differences in western beliefs and mindsets with that in ancient China. This preps the reader, who is seemingly brought into an elementary sociology class, with explanations of the symbiotic relationship of warfare and philosophy, the Chinese view of the world and even the myriad meanings of Chinese words (his fifteen page explanation of "shih'' being testimony).

What is laudable though in this translation, is that for verification purposes, the original text is contained opposite nearly every page. This provides native readers ease in distilling the epitome when his translation borders on illogic, especially when the translation is literal. This is ironical, as Ames did take great pain to explain that Chinese words are peculiar to contexts and hence the need to "resist easy formulaic translation"; yet he should fall into the snare he has warned about.

However, credit should be given for his relatively untainted translations. Despite the length of the thirteen chapters of Sun Tzu (typically a short three page translation for almost every chapter), Ames did endeavour not to insinuate and interpret. This, I feel, is the spirit of Sun Tzu's offering (as Ames has rightly pointed out in his introduction), that there is a vast potential for application given the context. Instead, Ames has proffered his take in what he calls the "attitude toward warfare". In this short sub-section, he gives a quick review of what military commanders can learn and the expected attributes and relationship (to the ruler or government) he ought to possess, based on the extraction from Sun Tzu's teachings.

On Sun Tzu's writings, I must admit that I have been rather awed by the simplicity of his keen observations, yet amazed at the possible applications. In my mind, there is no doubt that a master strategist did exist. Sun Tzu's thoughts are crystallized into thirteen chapters on strategies, although I would challenge that there are but four "real" strategies; that of Shih (strategic advantage, which can be variously interpreted as surprise, timing or leadership depending on the context), Hsing (strategic positions or what I would term formations or structures), Tao (methods of operation or simply knowledge) and the use of Intelligence (or Spies). The various other chapters and subsidiary readings reinforces these key strategies and merely serve as various ground tactics in the deployment of armies, use of terrain and the planning of combat. It would be blasphemous to debunk his theories, although, in interpretation, that would ostensibly have been Sun Tzu's intent (I believe!). The thirteen chapters are thus known to have relevance in fields beyond warfare, notably being studied in business and even in interpersonal relationships.

In concluding, I would say that Ames has done the translation justice; an easily readable and understandable rendition which has remained truthful to the Chinese context. As a first-time reader of Sun Tzu's works, I must say that I am convinced of his observations and the implications in applications. Yet, if I should have to end with a sharp distaste, it would be of two peculiar grouses: the lack of appropriate diagrams, which would have explained Sun Tzu's concepts more vividly, and Ames preoccupation with authenticating his sources.

The inclusion of appropriate diagrams would have explained the key concepts of "weak points and strong points" and "deploying the Army" for example stronger. Yet, none was provided. Instead, Ames spends a good portion with his relentless fixation of proving the authenticity of his sources; he does it at the introduction, and continues well into his appendices and notes. His dogged perseverance did pay off though; as I have quelled my doubts, if any initially, on the value of his work.

Although thousands of years old, this text is still probably the best study of warfare as we know it. Most of it is still very applicable to modern war. It also provides good philosophical anecdotes occasionaly. One must remember that the authors of this text were not only military men, they were philsophers as well. Also very applicable to the business world, and many CEOs are known to read it. Much more simple and straightforward than Von Clausawitz, and is required reading for anyone looking to better understand how war is truly properly conducted.

Ames' translation is wonderful! The book conveys the spirit of Sun-Tzu's work better than any of the other translations I've read. The facing page view of the original work is an interesting accompaniment to this awesome translation, but is only of practical use to scholars. It does not, however, detract from the book in any way. A must read for managers, executives, strategists, and critical thinkers of all disciplines. Sun-Tzu's strategies can be easily transplanted into almost every environment, particularly business. To those who have been led to believe that this work glorifies violence, it must be remembered that Sun-Tzu wrote in the accepted motivational style of his day, just as modern authors do. One need not embrace violence to gain from the book any more than one need be Chinese to read the book.

This is the translated version that also includes the original Chinese text. Hence for the reader who can read traditional classic Chinese, one can truly appreciate what Sun-Tzu had achieved. His work is a masterpiece of scholarly literature as well as a demonstration of his military geniusness and insight.
Another benefit of having the original text side by side is that there are still nuiances missed by the standard translating due to the multiple meanings of some Chinese words and the varied use of custom slangs.

This book is superb. What this edition offers that others may not is geared toward the interests of anthropologists: pictures, explanations, and diagrams of/from the excavated sites in China that materials used in this book originated from. In addition, this book offers fragments of other writings related to "The Art Of Warfare" that in the case of some are great supplements to "The Art of Warfare" proper. What a great read.

I have a seen a variety of different translations of this famous text, but this has got to be the best so far. The graphical images of the recovered texts were an excellent addition to the well translated English text on each page.

~~Avoid attacking walled cities.