The Art of War: The Denma Translation (Shambhala Library) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "SUN TZU SAID: The military is a great matter of the state..." (more)
Key Phrases: sage commander, bamboo text, turned spy (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Art of War was written over 2,300 years ago in what is now North China. Yet it still remains a contemporary lesson on how to attain victory without going to battle. Modern-day warriors find its ancient strategies helpful regardless of whether the conflict dwells in the boardroom or the bedroom. Despite numerous references to enemies, generals, and armies, The Art of War is about nonaggression. At its core, The Art of War offers a sophisticated lesson on "taking whole," meaning staying openhearted and relaxed in order to sidestep a fight--whether you are a field commander, a CEO, or a frustrated mother putting a resistant son to bed. This particular translation comes from the Denma Translation Group, led by scholars Kidder Smith and James Gimian (publisher of Shambhala Sun magazine). Because of the text's obscure wording (even the Chinese find the original document cumbersome), the translators have inserted helpful commentary that removes some of the linguistic barriers. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way Sun Tzu's The Art of War is undisputedly one of the bestselling leadership books of all time. This new translation by the Denma Translation GroupAled by Kidder Smith (Sung Dynasty Uses of the I Ching), an Asian studies expert at Bowdoin College, and James Gimian, publisher of the Shambhala Sun magazineAhelps bridge the gap between the ancient Chinese oral tradition and today's modern reader. It's supplemented with essays and commentary that demonstrate just how much this message of victory without aggression still resonates with how we conduct all aspects of our lives today.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; Abridged edition (September 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570629781
• ISBN-13: 978-1570629785
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #454,589 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary translation, May 19, 2001

By	Sonshi.com "sonshi" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Art of War: Translation, Essays and Commentary by the Denma Translation Group (Hardcover)

A new standard has been set. The Denma Translation Group's Sun Tzu rendering shows extraordinary accuracy; as stated in the book, they "argued over every word." We are quite impressed to see very little paraphrasing as well. And though this emphasis does sometimes break up the reading flow, the group did an admirable job minimizing its overall effects.

In addition to the translation, this book has the finest essays analyzing the many Art of War concepts. Not stopping there, the authors then skillfully explained each and every passage of Sun Tzu. The group's work was recently published in January 2001, but it took them a decade to complete. Wow. Based on Wu Chiu-lung's authoritative Sun Tzu deciphered from bamboo strips (dated 140 - 118 B.C.) found in 1972. Needless to say, we at Sonshi.com highly recommend this book.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best version of The Art of War I own, June 24, 2002

By	Reviewer X (Las Vegas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of War: The Denma Translation (Shambhala Classics) (Paperback)

As a student in International Diplomacy I must have read the Art of War in every phase of my education since being an undergraduate. Most books are simply the translation of the book, but no real explanation to go along with the text. Some give some side notes or a long introduction, but the text itself can be difficult and little or no help is given.
This is not the case with this edition, and that is why it is head and shoulders above all others I have looked at. It begins with a lengthy introduction to acquaint readers to the book and give some very necessary background information. Next is the full translation, GREATLY helped by the recently discovered bamboo remains of the book dug up in China, and there is no commentary in this section of the book. Which is excellent for people well acquainted with the work, people who want to read the work without the running commentary, students and scholars. Next are three sections designed to help the read fully understand the text in which they have just read. Not just the ideas about war, but it's applications in many other walks of life. These chapters explain difficult Chinese concepts, the idea of a sage leader, and many, many, other relevant topics.
Lastly, is the commentary. This is where the entire work is reviewed and detailed notes are given to help the reader understand the text LINE BY LINE!! It is not judgmental, while there is a slight bias, it is mostly informative. The bias does not distract from the educational part of the information, but it does need to be pointed out. I will not go into greater detail, the reader can extrapolate from the commentary if they feel there is a slight tinge of bias.
Overall this is the one and only edition of the Art of War you will ever need to own, unless you are going to venture into more scholarly pursuits on the subject and you want to review other peoples ideas surrounding the text. This book will be sufficient for 99.99% of the people in the general public. It is an exceptional effort.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Victory over War, April 6, 2001

By	Melvin MacDonald (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of War: Translation, Essays and Commentary by the Denma Translation Group (Hardcover)

This new translation of The Art of War offers a deeper view of victory--the "taking of the whole." It's the ultimate win-win strategy. How would a group of Buddhists, devoted to the principles of non-aggression and non-ego, approach conflict and warfare? By seeking victory over war itself! If conflict is inevitable in this world, let us seek its resolution with the least possible suffering. This is a unique book for readers who seek to apply profound strategic thought to helping the world, rather than conquering others.