Customer Reviews

The Seven Military Classics Of Ancient China (History and Warfare)

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In considering Ralph Sawyer's translation of "The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China" one must look at the work from two angles. First, one must consider the quality of the translation, and how well the author has set the historical stage for the piece. Second, one must consider the pieces themselves, and their pertinence to modern strategic thinking.

Regarding the first issue, Sawyer has done a superb job in both his translation, and in his historical research. The prose is easy to read and understand, but the essential, almost poetic, essence of the original language has not been sacrificed. Furthermore, each piece is prefaced by a brief, but detailed, overview of the work including a biography of the author, or possible authors, and a synopsis of the historical context in which the work was created. In addition, the book is heavily footnoted, which allows the reader to fully comprehend each piece, without the primary texts being chopped up.

Regarding the second angle, I was genuinely astonished by how pertinent theses works are to modern military thinking. For such primitive (chronologically, not intellectually) works, they do a superb job of capturing the key elements of strategic thinking: maneuver, logistics, terrain, combined arms and command hierarchy. Moreover, they are extremely sophisticated in their consideration of Grand Strategy and the mobilization of the population. While these works are by no means a blue print for a modern army (the codes of conduct are draconian, to say the least), they undoubtedly provide a framework for the analysis/planning of modern operations.

This is truly a superb work that captures both the philosophical and the practical aspects of some of the most ancient books on the planet. Furthermore, it is a fascinating look at ancient Chinese history. It is truly a must read for anyone interested in military theory or international relations, particularly with China once again ascendant on the world stage.

The works in this book are:

1) T'ai Kung's Six Secret Teachings

2) The Methods of Ssu-ma

3) Sun-tzu's Art of War

4) Wu-tzu

5) Wei Liao-tzu

6) Three Strategies of Huang Shih-kung

7) Questions and Replies between T'ang T'ai-tsung and Li Wei-kung

Hope that helps.

My one complaint about this book is that it uses the Wade-Giles transliteration rather than Pinyin, which is what everyone, including China, is using. Wade-Giles is now over 35 years outmoded, and can be very confusing for the uninitiated. Compare Ssu-ma I (Wade-Giles) with Sima Yi (Pinyin). Would you know that they're the same bloke? (If you do, bravo.) I assume this speaks to the age of the translation rather than an editorial choice, but it's pretty annoying that they didn't update it.

If you think you might like this book, but want more of a story than essays/discourses, I recommend 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms.' It's very long, but well-loved in most regions of Asia, and with good reason. Also, search for Zhuge Liang's commentary on 'The Art of War.' It's all on Amazon.

This is the best complilation of ancient Chinese martial philosophy I have ever come across. The translation is superb, and it is extensively footnoted to give the reader a complete understanding of the context of the translations and their meaning. It's of a much higher quality then most other translations. For example, I enjoyed dearly the Thomas Cleary trans. of "The Art of War" because of the clear and simple text. However, the Sawyer's trans. "The Art of War" had much more of the subtle nuances of the original by expanding the vocabulary and giving extensive footnotes. The rest of the trans. in the book are perhaps lesser known but equally impressive works. Overall, I felt the book provides the reader with a comprensive view of ancient Chinese strategy and is essential for anyone who wishes to study this subject.

Sawyer translates seven of ancient china's military classics and does it in a very thourough, informative, and highly readable way. I have read translations of the Art of War from Griffith, Cleary, and Sawyer and I found Sawyers version to be by far the most readable, as well as the most informative. If you want to study the ancient military texts this is simply a must read. To complete your collection I would also recommend Sawyers translation of Military Methods by Sun Pin.

Simply put, amongst these pages sleep the immortal foundations for strategic planning, waging and completion of warfare. It gives adaptive, and concrete rules to live by to ensure survival and means to defend, conquer and remain invincible through military techniques. Amongst the countless numbers of translations, Sawyer is the most successful in accuracy and keeps the ideals and visions of the ancient authors vivid and precise through very educated and well grounded comentaries. In addition to Sun Tzu's Art of War, Sawyer brings us the six classics previously unknown to the western world. With this release, warfare in any sense, will never be the same.

I first saw this book at my public library, and loved it. (Evidentally someone else loved it too, 'cause it wandered off and left a few years later.) It holds a great list of books.

Sun Tzu's "Art of War" is in there, but I especially like Tao Tai Kung (or "The secret teachings of the Tai Kung") The most entertaining thing about this work is that it is a beautiful example of a different world view. It was an excellent introduction to an entire philosophy.
(look for surprising parallels twixt this and Adam Smith's "...Wealth of Nations", with an eastern perspective.)

The Seven Military Classics provides a phenomenal look at eastern military tactics and strategy. For me, a philosophy major, it has interesting undertones of eastern philosophy that keep me wanting to read. (My hectic schedule keeps me from finishing it in one sitting.) It is undoubtedly a fabulous compilation, and Sawyer's translations are easily understood but do not sacrifice the themes of eastern philosophy. A must read for the curious mind!!

Sawyer knows his subject. He is a master of Chinese warfare and culture. He even teaches you how to pronounce some common Chinese words that we in the west always mispronounce.

The book is great. It covers a lot --- not just The Art of War, though that's included. It is a complete study of the Chinese strategies of war and I recommend it to those interested in this topic.

Ralph D. Sawyer's translations is a must have for anyone studying military thought and theory or martial arts. This translation brings to the Western reader the ideas set down by these wise men of the past. My friends who do read Chinese say this translations is one of the best English versions. Many business professionals like to say how "Business is war" and use these warriors' thought, but here the Saywers show that the ideas set down in these classics are for the warrior and especially for peace. A lost business deal pales in comparison to what a warrior faces when he/she looses in combat. These seven classics are a wonderful guide to one who wishes to live a martial and peaceful life.

I, for one, enjoyed this book. I am not here to critic, as a few of these other reviews appear to be. One, the book is easy to understand and follow. Meaning, the translations are well recorded. Two, I have recently been curious in Chinese history of warfare and this book was able to show me much Chinese philosophy towards warfare. I recomend it this book to any follower of military history or Chinese warfare. You get your moneys worth.