The Art of War [Paperback]

B. H. Liddell Hart (Foreword), Sun Tzu (Author), Samuel B. Griffith (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1971

Like Machiavelli's The Prince and the Japanese Book of Five Rings, Sun Tzu's The Art of War is as timely for business people today as it was for military strategists in ancient China. Written in China more than 2,000 years ago, Sun Tzu's classic The Art of War is the first known study of the planning and conduct of military operations. These terse, aphoristic essays are unsurpassed in comprehensiveness and depth of understanding, examining not only battlefield maneuvers, but also relevant economic, political, and psychological factors. Indeed, the precepts outlined by Sun Tzu regularly applied outside the realm of military theory. It is read avidly by Japanese businessmen and was touted in the movie Wall Street as the corporate raider's bible.

Providing a much-needed translation of this classic, Samuel Griffith has made this powerful and unique work even more relevant to the modern world. Including an explanatory introduction and selected commentaries on the work, this edition makes Sun Tzu's timeless classic perfectly accessible to modern readers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Art of War is among the greatest classics of military literature ever written. Sun Tzu warfare is as applicable today as when the book was written some 2,500 years ago....Pick up The Art of War and read it."--General A.M. Gray, Marine Corps Gazette

"As a reflection of the Chinese mind, this little work is as relevant as any Confucian classic."--The Times (London)

"Westerners have dozens of books to choose from if they want to learn about Japanese philosophy and military tactics....But when the Japanese, especially those in business, want information on the subject, many turn to an ancient Chinese, not Japanese, military manual, The Art of War....Shows managers how to be fearless in resolving conflicts."--Boardroom Reports

"Shows managers how to be fearless in resolving conflicts."--Boardroom Reports

"A brief tract on strategy that has been admired in China for centuries. Some of Mao Tse Tung's most eloquent thoughts are merely rehashes of Sun Tzu and his interpreters."--The Los Angeles Herald Examiner

"Samuel Griffith's original and scholarly translation of The Art of War shows how good scholarship can make an easily readable translation that is much more useful to modern readers."--The Philadelphia Inquirer

About the Author

The late Samuel B. Griffith is the author of The Battle for Guadalcanal and the editor and translator of Mao Tse-tung: "On Guerilla War".

Product Details

• Paperback: 197 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (September 15, 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780195014761
• ISBN-13: 978-0195014761
• ASIN: 0195014766
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.5 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (399 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Special Topics
  • #47 in Books > History > Military > Strategy
  • #64 in Books > History > Military Science

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 74 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Timeless Beauty of War May 11, 2002

By Peter Mackay

Format:Paperback

War is ugly, dirty, brutal, wasteful and expensive. That is the reality of it. Let's not pretend otherwise.

Having said that, the ancient Chinese master strips away all the familiar trappings of war - the warriors, weapons, forts and tactics - to reveal the essence of conflict and how to win.

His lessons are as valid here and now as they were in an empire a long time ago and far, far away. It simply does not matter how you are fighting, what you are fighting over nor even why you are fighting. If you are forced into conflict with another, the lessons in this book will guarantee victory.

Brute strength, overwhelming force, super weapons, holding the high ground, none of these are required for victory. All that is needed is a leader who can understand and apply the principles of warfare.

Essentially it boils down to three ideas.
1. Know yourself.
2. Know your enemy.
3. Only fight when you can win.

Do this, and you will win competitions, elections, games. Anything that involves conflict. Even wars.

Sun Tzu's elegant language lays bare the principles of warfare, illustrating his lessons with examples from Ancient China. It is a thought-provoking, colourful and valuable book.

82 of 88 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A timeless piece of history written for the future. October 11, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

I cannot remember who introduced me to "The Art of War", but I know I could not hold onto the book for very long. Each friend I thought would benefit from the ancient words of Sun Tzu received a copy from me. I went through seven copies before buying the hard cover for my collection.

I found James Clavell's version quite difficult to find, but well worth it - due to clarity of reading and balance.

I tried reading Cleary's version, but could not get through the first chapter. However, I did purchase "Mastering the Art of War" by Cleary; finding it a better tour guide.

Clavell's "Art of War" offers tactical insight on overcoming an opponent whether it be war, work, relationships, or your own personal demons.

Sun Tzu created a timeless piece of history written for the future. I personally feel that today's society needs to look back, master the art of war, in order to repair the future.

Today I'm buying book #9 for a person who inspired me... I wanted to return the favor.

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Thought this would be better August 3, 2010

By NYM

Format:Kindle Edition

The content of the translations themselves was fine, but I found the formatting difficult to read. The translator also interjects thoughts into the middle of sentences which disrupted the flow of the text even further. Other versions may be fascinating, but I found this one stale and unremarkable.