The Art of Strategy: A New Translation of Sun Tzu's Classic The Art of War (Paperback)

~ R.L. Wing (Author) "SUN TZU BELIEVED THAT EVEN BEFORE CONSIDERING A CONfrontation - for whatever purpose - it is essential to Calculate a complete analysis of the situation..." (more)
Key Phrases: inner opponent, lasting triumph, tactical positioning, Sun Tzu, Entire Force, Artful Strategy (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

More than 2,500 years ago, Sun Tzu composed his masterpiece The Art of War which has been used by the world's greatest leaders including Napoleon. Here, Wing makes the influential philosophies of the Orient accessible to all seekers of professional achievement and personal excellence. 20 halftones, 35 illustrations.

Language Notes

Text: English, Chinese (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Main Street Books; 1 edition (April 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385237847
• ISBN-13: 978-0385237840
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #140,387 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A well-defined interpretation of Sun Tzu's Classic work, May 16, 1998

By	Robert L. Coppedge "Opinionated Geek" (Hudson, Oh USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Why isn't it called the "Art of War?" Because Wing hits on a point missed by most translations. Sun Tzu's objective in writing the classic book was, as Wing puts it, "The achievement of triumph through tactical positioning, without resorting to battle."

The book is divided as the original. Brief, to the point, and put forth in such a way to invite the reader to contemplate each section, with comments by the author as to how it relates to different levels of conflict...environmental, interpersonal, between leaders, and within ones self. This structure allows the reader to use this book as both discovery and reminder. I've carried the book around for years, using it to remind me how to deal with situations.

I've read several versions of "the Art of War," and value this one the most. It's highly recommended, and very useful, both personally and professionally.

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes a Chinese Classic Thoroughly Modern, December 1, 1999

By	Mark Schreiber (Harrisburg, PA) - See all my reviews

I have read numerous translations of the "Art of War", however "The Art of Strategy" takes the classic Chinese strategy to a level that modern Americans can easily relate. I use this version of the book in a course taught on public relations strategy and it is always well received by the students. It seems to be less militaristic in its presentation and more applicable to modern problems including those of a more personal nature. While I personally prefer Thomas Cleary's translation, there is no question that my students get much out of Wing's new twist. Great book!

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Maybe the best title translation, September 10, 2001

By	Thomas G. Bramhall "DaZombieWoof" (Huntsville, AL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The title R.L. Wing has is far more representative of the content. It really is not all about "The Art of War", though it does address combat strategy. I find it is far more about success without ever having to come to blows. The commentary on the "four conflicts" is of interest as we appear to live in a society that only recognizes three of the four stated and denies the remaining one. From the other side of the world, a radically different time, a very different culture, and more than a thousand years ago he predicts the consequences. As he is dealing with human nature and behavior, the book is timeless in its commentary.
A Chinese national who I once worked with told me after reading this edition he thought it the best translation visually and in content he had seen to date.