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The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Classic Collector's Edition: Includes The Classic Giles and Full Length Translations [Paperback]

Sun Tzu
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)

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Book Description

June 1, 2009

This collectible edition of "The Art of War by Sun Tzu" presents these timeless instructions regarding military strategy and managing conflict in two complete versions, with over 260 pages of content.

A modern introduction, tracing the origins of "The Art of War" and its historical and cultural importance, firmly grounds the reader in the context with which the oldest book on military strategy has survived the ages, as well as contemporary examples of its continued use.

The first section of this collectible edition contains "The Art of War" in English, without notes or commentary. This allows the reader to understand the teachings of Sun Tzu, without the distraction of footnotes or excessive comments. This newly revised Giles-Williams translation is succinct, very easy to read, and without the errors found in other incomplete versions.

The second section contains the complete annotated translation by Lionel Giles, restored by Sian Kim, along with Giles' translation notes, definitive critical commentary, and supplemental information from a broad range of sources. Written during the Victorian era, Giles' 1910 "Introduction" has also been included, containing the legend of "Sun Tzu and The Army of Concubines".

Although written in the 6th century BCE, the teachings of Sun Tzu are still found today in the martial arts, legal doctrine, military schools, management seminars and pervasively throughout popular culture.


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The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Classic Collector's Edition: Includes The Classic Giles and Full Length Translations + The Complete Book of Five Rings
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Editorial Reviews

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Sun Tzu said: Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.

By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or, by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.

If the enemy is taking his ease, he can harass him; if well supplied with food, he can starve him out; if quietly encamped, he can force him to move. Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

An army may march great distances without distress, if it marches through country where the enemy is not.

You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.

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.


Product Details

  • Paperback: 260 pages
  • Publisher: Special Edition Books; Reprint edition (June 1, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1934255157
  • ISBN-13: 978-1934255155
  • Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #102,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 59 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is the third different edition of The Art of War I have purchased on Amazon. They say the third time is the charm, and in this case, I can't argue with that. The first volume I purchased was the cheap $3.99 version. They also say you get what you pay for. The book was so small, it could fit in my front pocket. The paper was so thin that if you exhale, it might shred. Needless to say, I returned it immediately.

The second book I purchased was the 6.99 edition. This was slightly better, but I found I could not concentrate on the teachings of Sun Tzu, because of the way the translation was presented. Additionally, the book also looked kind of cheap. I wasn't sure I wanted to have it in my library, even if I could get past the questionable presentation of the teachings of Sun Tzu. So, after a few days I returned the $6.99 edition to Amazon.

Upon receiving this edition, I knew immediately that it was more of what I was looking to have, both to read and to add to my library. It's a full-size paperback, not a teeny tiny stocking stuffer. The introduction was very modern, unlike the other 2 books, and it traced the impact this book has had over the centuries. It also contains 2 version of The Art of War, with and without footnotes, making it easy to pick how deep you want to go into the subject matter. I would definitely recommend shelling out a few extra bucks for something you can be proud to have in your library.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Ancient Chinese wisdom still holds true July 22, 2011
Format:Kindle Edition
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is fascinating how the lessons from the battlefield of strategy and tactics as observed hundreds of years ago by the ancients are now applied to the board room.

What I find incredible about this book is the observations and lessons have been tested over centuries and proven to be true. It is a book for planners, for strategists, for people keen on winning or someone just curious about the ancient wisdom of the great Chinese philosophy.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent May 18, 2011
By Denis
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Overall, I have to say that this is an excellent presentation of a classic. Everything from the translation to the overall presentation of the material is superior to the previous edition of "The Art of War" that I user to own. It is clear that care was taken to ensure that the reader has access to the depth of knowledge that surrounds this work. The inclusion of two versions of the book, with and without scholarly annotation, is a great way to give the reader the ability to control how extensively they wish to engage the text. An excellent buy.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting reading
This is my fifth or sixth copy of this book - I lend it to someone and it never comes back. I have lent it to people who do negotiating for a Union and they say it helps. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Dean F. Blair
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Was exactly what I was looking for. Learned a lot and was very pleased. I know some people didn't appreciate some parts but for the casual reader it is perfect
Published 1 month ago by adbalfour
5.0 out of 5 stars Art of War
I have not read the book yet but it came very fast in perfect condition. I have heard a lot about this book and wanted to see if I can make sense of Sun Tzu writing. Read more
Published 2 months ago by T Terror
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book! Even Better On the Kindle!
I think what sets this edition of the Art of War apart from others I’ve seen is the full use of the capabilities of my Kindle hardware. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Dan Mehlman, author, The Adventures of Dusty: The World's Dirtiest Superhero
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
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Published 3 months ago by Bobby Hardwick
1.0 out of 5 stars Not deluxe at all
I bought this as a gift thinking "deluxe hardcover" would be something special. It isn't. The overall quality of this book is pretty low.
Published 3 months ago by Nichola
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Inspirational Book
This was purchased as a gift. It is an educational and inspiring book. I will absolutely continue to gift it!
Published 3 months ago by AKolar47
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone that is in leadership,business and has ambition needs to read...
This is very motivating and insightful. I enjoyed it and "war" can be the business market with competitors or anything. This will help everyone that wants to succeed.
Published 4 months ago by M. White
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book
It is a great take on interpreting the original text. I have read it número use times and is well adapted to today's work place.
Published 4 months ago by Joyce Njoroge JWN
5.0 out of 5 stars Strategy
Have given this as a gift to both of my son's,(both
military). This book is a keeper! And the guys
loved it.
Published 5 months ago by T. J. Boehmer
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