Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War [Paperback]

Robert Cantrell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2004

Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War is both a source and an interpretation of Sun Tzu's Art of War written to clarify Sun Tzu's philosophies on war without compromising the subtlety of thought needed to master them. Readers of this book, from across professional disciplines, will find key advice on leadership, advantage, and how to proficiently overcome adversaries.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Sun Tzu on the Art of War, an ancient Chinese treatise on military strategy, is now required reading at military, business, and law schools in the United States and around the world. Possibly no book in history better describes how to win conflicts in any profession. Those who practice conflict resolution frequently use Sun Tzu’s philosophies as the cornerstone of their ways.

Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War explores the meaning of Sun Tzu’s philosophies through the use of high impact case examples, most involving American or British military forces. While also presenting strategic tools for use in any professional conflict, this book never lets readers forget that the original Chinese text is about war. For those with an interest in current military events, this book provides fertile ground for discussion on coalition war methods and aims. For all professions, military or otherwise, this book gets to the heart of efficient conflict resolution theory. Topics discussed include:

INTRODUCTION – A brief history of Sun Tzu on the Art of War and the underlying Taoist philosophy from which it was written WINNING WHOLE – How to win with your resources and your objective intact LEADING TO ADVANTAGE – How to prepare and position your soldiers for victory DECEPTION – How to keep your intentions secret from opponents ENERGY – How to apply force effectively and efficiently STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES – How to find the best path to the goal INITIATIVE – How to take and keep the advantage SUN TZU ON THE ART OF WAR – A complete translation CONCLUSION – Philosophical significance of Sun Tzu on the Art of War in competitive strategy

From the Author

Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War contains a complete translation of Sun Tzu's Art of War. The book is in use by the National Defense University and the U.S. Naval War College for strategy courses taught to senior military officers.

Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War offers hard earned truths on competition and conflict as presented by a soldier and philosopher who could as easily have lived today as 2,500 years ago. It presents these truths in an easy to read format that you can finish in the time it takes to fly from Washington D.C. to Chicago.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 122 pages
• Publisher: Center For Advantage (July 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972291407
• ISBN-13: 978-0972291408
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #132,672 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top notch publication, May 29, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War (Paperback)

"Understanding Sun Tzu on The Art of War" is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the oldest military treatise in the history of the world. However, this book is much more than just the rehashing of old source material. Robert Cantrell's book delves into the material in a much more practical sense that lets the reader truly comprehend and utilize Sun Tzu's philosophy. Cantrell takes Sun Tzu's 2,500 year old philosophies and applies them to the 21st Century, using a contemporary voice that makes the Art of War much more accessible to today's reader. However, and very importantly, the book doesn't strip away Sun Tzu's words with modern terminology. This book manages to bring Sun Tzu into the 21st century without taking away his voice.

Reading Sun Tzu is a bit like reading Shakespeare. You can read it, but can you understand it? "Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War" allows you to fully appreciate and synthesize what Sun Tzu is all about.

If you are interested in Sun Tzu philosophy, or if you are interested in life strategies, Robert Cantrell's book is a must buy.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best interpretation of Sun Tzu?s classic work I have read, July 7, 2003

By 

Robert L. Cantrell "Center For Advantage" (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War (Paperback)

Published with permission, a review from Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews reads as follows: "As a retired military intelligence professional and conflict theorist, I must say this is the best interpretation of Sun Tzu's classic work I have read. The author focuses on the meanings behind this ancient Chinese war philosopher's writings. He puts them into a modern context, making them easy to understand. Apparently the Department of Defense agrees with me on this, since they have selected Mr. Cantrell's book as a text for the National War College in Washington DC. This is a must read for all military officers and business leaders. It rated a perfect five hearts."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with advice on leadership, June 21, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War (Paperback)

Robert L. Cantrell's Understanding Sun Tzu On The Art Of War contains both the complete translated text of Sun Tzu's enduring classic on battle strategy, and a modern-day interpretation packed with advice on leadership, learning to keep one's intentions a secret from one's opponents, leveraging advantages as the key to victory, and a great deal more. An excellent resource for anyone seeking self-improvement through internalizing Sun Tzu's wisdom, Understanding Sun Tzu on the Art of War is thoughtful and thought-provoking reading of the highest order.