The classic by Sun Tzu. The definitive guide to strategy, tactics, and success.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
74 of 74 people found the following review helpful
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
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
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Art of War
The Art of War is a classic. I have read it 5 times at least. We actually read it in one of my jobs as well. Read more
Published 2 days ago by Yasser Khalil
5.0 out of 5 stars
There is a reason this is a classic.
This book is straight forward and understandable. A surprising amount of the advice can be applied today - to non-military circumstances.
Published 5 days ago by Omar W. Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars
HISTORY
MANY OF TODAYS MILITARIES HAVE THIS AS REQUIRED READING FOR THEIR OFFICERS, INSIGHT, COMMON SENSE AND GREAT STRATEGY, SFTER READING THIS, I IMPROVED MY CHESS GAME
Published 8 days ago by howard
5.0 out of 5 stars
ART OF WAR
I had heard about this book first in the movie "Wall Street" and was intrigued. Bought it and find it fascinating
Published 10 days ago by Cynthia A. Luzon
3.0 out of 5 stars
Because you have to!
This is a nice presentation of an otherwise difficult read. The book is well presented and of course a must read for business professionals ... Read more
Published 11 days ago by Robert S. Webster
5.0 out of 5 stars
cool
literary masterpiece for free on your mobile device, if you complain you will just sound spoiled and dumb, so don't
Published 15 days ago by Nathan D. Cress
5.0 out of 5 stars
Timeless classic
This was actually the first time I read this book, I'm very glad I got it, and the ebbok format is very convenient.
Published 22 days ago by MXP
4.0 out of 5 stars
Outdated but instructive brutal pragmatism.
This is another college classic. It has some very good methods for war. I will say, however, that many techniques are not applicable today as this book is centuries out of date. Read more
Published 24 days ago by Owen Sage
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome.
For anyone looking to read Sun Tsu, this book is very insightful. Be sure to read what the author says in the first half, because it provides details to Sun Tsu's life and the... Read more
Published 25 days ago by Alti
4.0 out of 5 stars
Its a nice book
Its a good book, it is what it is. I wanted a copy of it and now I have it. So its on the shelf with the other books.
Published 29 days ago by Grizz1.
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