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The Art of War (Pocket Edition) (Shambhala Pocket Classics)
 
 
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The Art of War (Pocket Edition) (Shambhala Pocket Classics) [Paperback]

Sun Tzu (Author), Thomas Cleary (Translator)
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)

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Book Description

May 7, 1991 Shambhala Pocket Classics
Compiled more than two thousand years ago by a mysterious warrior-philosopher, The Art of War is still perhaps the most prestigious and influential book of strategy in the world today, as eagerly studied in Asia by modern politicians and executives as it as been by military leaders since ancient times. As a study of the anatomy of organizations in conflict, The Art of War applies to competition and conflict in general, on every level from the interpersonal to the international. Its aim is invincibility, victory without battle, and unassailable strength through understanding of the physics, politics, and psychology of conflict.

Translated from a standard collection of commentaries on Sun Tzu's text by eleven interpreters, this pocket classic has been edited by Thomas Cleary to bring out the meaning of the principles of strategy.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Thomas Cleary's translation of Sun Tzu's 2,000-year-old The Art of War makes immediately relevant one of the greatest Chinese classical texts. There's not a dated maxim or vague prescription in it. 'To win without fighting is best,' Sun Tzu said. For him, war was coeval with life. Absorb this book, and you can throw out all those contemporary books about management leadership."— Newsweek

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

Product Details

  • Paperback: 114 pages
  • Publisher: Shambhala (May 7, 1991)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 087773965X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0877735373
  • ASIN: 0877735379
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 0.4 x 4.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #169,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
143 of 145 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
The Art of War seems to be a classic piece of Chinese philosophy that is easy to translate into a mediocre work. I've read a number of translations of Sun Tzu that are clunky and have none of the wit of the original text. Now, I don't read ancient Chinese, but when a Chinese philisophical text reads like a manual for a microwave, you know something is lost in translation.

On the other hand, this translation, done by Thomas Cleary, showed me the subtlety in the Art of War. In addition to the work itself (which would make a very thin book) there is a long, interesting introduction written by the translator which I found very helpful in thinking about the Art of War, as well as helping to put the work in both a historical context, and the context amongst many of the other ancient Chinese philisophical works. How Sun Tzu's work relates to Taoism is very interesting. Also, there are selected commentation on each of the paragraphs of the Art of War. These commentaries were written over different periods of time by different Chinese philosophers. These help to show how many different points of view can exist over a single statement made by Sun Tzu.

I find this translation very well done, and I can easily recommend it to anyone who wants to read The Art of War.
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This ancient classic of 13 chapters was written over 2,500 years ago by the legendary Chinese general Sun Tzu. It is a must have for military buffs that enjoy reading about the tactics of the most succesful generals. It is rumored that Napoleon used a French translation of the Art of War to his advantage while conquering most of Europe, and he lost when he broke its principles.
The principles that are with in this ancient text can also be used in games of strategy, business conflicts, and the day to day battles of life.
Here are ten principles to give you a sample of the wisdom found in its pages:

Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance with out fighting.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

Spies are the most important element in war, because upon them depends an army's ability to move.

All warfare is based on deception.

The general who wins a battle makes many calculations before the battle is fought.

There is no instance of a country having benefited from a prolonged war.

The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.

In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. (So they can retreat).

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained, fight not unless the position is critical.

Taken as a whole this is a book of wisdom and principles on how to win. I rank it in my top ten books I have ever read. It is a must have for any home library. The is a very small book that is quick and easy to read.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The Art of War is a timeless masterpiece of interaction of power and politics. It is about war and not war. This version is the one you want if you are interested in the simple, yet profound wisdom of Sun Tzu. I have tried several other versions edited and commented on, thoughts and ideas spun left and spun right by other authors. There is no spin here simple staright forward thought and principles.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Childrens book
Sun Tzu and his famous work The Art of War have been whittled down to a simple children's book in this particular copy. Read more
Published 26 days ago by xzvc9084
A book full of interesting ideas of war
This book is a masterpiece of strategies and principles of war. They show you winning and losing tactics and show you definitions of a good warrior and a bad warrior. Read more
Published 27 days ago by Ronnie Lee
A practical guide from an extraordinary sage
If you are looking to live your life by one single guide, I find the Art of War much more practical than the Bible. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Neil The Unreel
classic!!!
Of course, this is classic reading. Applicable to every aspect of your life. The company I boght it from is also awesome to work with. Highly recommend them.
Published 3 months ago by Jay Vee
Good translation; Okay commentary; Skip the introduction
A lot of people read The Art of War to gain insight into business competition, inter-personal conflict, etc. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Joel E. Mitchell
Art of War
This was required reading for my MBA at California State University, and the knowledge and wisdom is as clear 2,000 years ago as it is today. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Chris' 2012 MBA
Clear Translation, Poor Commentary
The translation of this ancient text was accurate and concise. The childish commentary and lack of analysis relegate this book to the coffee table, not worth serious study.
Published 9 months ago by Edward P. Orsi
A book I have to read
I am going to talk about what is The Art Of War for people who has not read it yet. Other reviews on the same page says enough about the edition and publication. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Ximing Xu
Hitler lost because he broke just about every idea in this book.
This is a rather short book but the ideas have stood the test of time in warfare ever since it was written by Sun Tzu in 500 B.C. Read more
Published 14 months ago by J. Guild
Serene Strategy
Known as a classic with good reason. The book and now accompanying CD make for a compelling presentation. Sale was seamless and timely.
Published 16 months ago by Call Me
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Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
Military action is important to the nation-it is the ground of death and life, the path of survival and destruction, so it is imperative to examine it. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
trafficked ground, surrounded ground
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Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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