The Tao of Deception: Unorthodox Warfare in Historic and Modern China [Hardcover]

Ralph D. Sawyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 23, 2007

The history of China is a history of warfare. Wars have caused dynasties to collapse, fractured the thin façade of national unity, and brought decades of alien occupation. But throughout Chinese history, its warfare has been guided by principles different from those that governed Europe. Chinese strategists followed the concept, first articulated by Sun-tzu in The Art of War, of qi (ch'i), or unorthodox, warfare. The concept of qi involves creating tactical imbalances in order to achieve victory against even vastly superior forces. Ralph D. Sawyer, translator of The Art of War and one of America's preeminent experts on Chinese military tactics, here offers a comprehensive guide to the ancient practice of unorthodox warfare. He describes, among many other tactics, how Chinese generals have used false rumors to exploit opposing generals' distrust of their subordinates; dressed thousands of women as soldiers to create the illusion of an elite attack force; and sent word of a false surrender to lure enemy troops away from a vital escape route. The Tao of Deception is the book that military tacticians and military historians will turn to as the definitive guide to a new, yet ancient, way of thinking about strategy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ralph D. Sawyer, one of America’s leading scholars in Chinese warfare, has worked extensively with major intelligence and defense agencies. After studying at MIT and Harvard and a brief stint of university teaching, Sawyer has spent the past thirty years lecturing and doing international consulting work focused on China.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; aFirst Edition First Printing edition (January 23, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465072054
• ISBN-13: 978-0465072057
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,027 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ralph D. Sawyer, one of America's leading scholars in Chinese warfare, has worked extensively with major intelligence and defense agencies. After studying at MIT and Harvard and a brief stint of university teaching, Sawyer has spent the past thirty years lecturing and doing international consulting work focused on China.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An enlightening look into the military history of China. . ., November 9, 2008

By 

T. Hooper "thdizzy" (Osaka, Japan) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Tao of Deception: Unorthodox Warfare in Historic and Modern China (Hardcover)

"The Tao of Deception" looks into the history of Chinese military strategy. Basically, each chapter covers a period of Chinese history or a reinterpretation of previous theory through the events of the period discussed. Of course everyone is familiar with Sun Tzu and this book covers his basic thoughts as well. What I appreciated about this book was that it also cover much more obscure (to Westerners anyway) military thinkers as well, which gives a much more complete overview of Chinese military thought than just looking at the theories of Sun Tzu alone.

The particular strength of this book is that it is not just a book of theory. It provides many historical expamples of battles in which the generals executed the strategies discussed. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this book.

The final chapter introduces how a modern Chinese military could apply these tactics and strategies in a conflict with America. I won't spoil any of the surprising possibilities, but it would be a good idea for American military planners to take a careful look at this book.

Overall it is a great read. The only reason I give it four stars instead of five stars is that there are no maps to go along with the historical battles, so if you're not familiar with the battles mentioned, then it will be much harder to follow them. I found the discussion on the battles of the Three Kingdoms period to be fascinating because I am already familiar with those battles and can visualize them easily. However, when battles of other periods were discussed, I found it to be more difficult to visualize. If you're not bothered by the lack of maps, go ahead and get this. Also, I would recommend this if you will be doing business in China.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars true to thought processes, March 31, 2010

By 

an open mind (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tao of Deception: Unorthodox Warfare in Historic and Modern China (Hardcover)

While the book is not an easy read, the work provides a welcome understanding of the thought processes and translations of the languages/cultures involved> Therefore, close study and slow reading is rewarded with a fuller understanding of the subject, the times and the present utility - if any. The presentation is a major plus to this kind of work, not a detriment. The detail of authorities is most ipressive. Highly recommended, but not for light reading. There are less difficult works, but none more thorough or historical concerning a culture that is remote in location and time. Best regards to all

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Toast, March 21, 2010

By 

Lewis Eric Weil, Jr. "Persop" (AZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Tao of Deception: Unorthodox Warfare in Historic and Modern China (Hardcover)

The Tao of Deception is well worth reading but could

have contained all material within half the pages.

I looked at the reviews on Tao of

Spycraft and would be interested in how readers who have read

both compare the repetition?

Deception from a historical, political and evolutionary

thinking allowed me to appreciate content.

It is much more than The Art of War.

This person saw material as 5 star with presentation

2 to 3 stars.