The Art of War: An Illustrated Edition (Paperback)

by Sun Tzu (Author), Thomas Cleary (Translator) "ACCORDING TO AN OLD STORY, a lord of ancient China once asked his physician, a member of a family of healers, which of them was..." (more)
Key Phrases: trafficked ground, reverse spies, intersecting ground, Sun Tzu, Cao Cao, Tao-te Ching (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Sun Tzu's Art of War just got better. The Illustrated Art of War enlivens Thomas Cleary's complete translation, including commentaries, with full-color reproductions of paintings and statuary from China and Japan. Talk about martial art--these depictions show full battles scenes, the Chinese god of war, weaponry, processions--even an ancient map. --Brian Bruya --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"The most useful and important book ever written for aspiring leaders."
--Toronto Sun Times

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (October 19, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590301854
• ISBN-13: 978-1590301852
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #115,684 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Art of War, May 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Illustrated Art of War (Hardcover)

If you're going to pick up a copy of the "Art of War," this particular edition is the most attractive one to have sitting in a collection. You don't have to be an ancient Chinese general to learn from Sun Tzu's 2,000 year old masterpiece. Much of this material can still be applicable in day to day life if you look past the military language. Especially recommended for people trying to get ahead in tough fields like business or politics or even just for those who happen to like philosophy. Also check out the animated Art of War by Tsai Chi Chung if you're looking for a lighter hearted presentation of this and other Chinese classics.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Edition, January 22, 2005

By	John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Art of War is well known. Dating from well over 2,000 years ago, it is a compilation of short sayings relating to military strategy. These sayings have seemingly been found applicable by generations of military and business leaders.

The author holds a Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. This new translation is written close to modern language so that it makes more sense to the modern American reader. It further establishes the point of view of the spiritual traditions of Taoism, the origin of psychology, science, and technology in East Asia that are the source of the insights into human nature that underlie this classic.

The illustrations in this edition include some of the finest works of art from China, Japan, and Korea, selected from museums, galleries, and private collections in countries throughout the world.

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Translation - Highly Recommended, September 30, 2005

By	cn1134 "Cynthia" (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews

There is not much to say here except that this book is very complicated if you do not get a good translation. Thomas Cleary's translation here is probably one of the best out there to offer a version that translates well into English. The Art of War harnesses the Zen-state of Buddhism in order to master war is a paradox that Westerners have a very difficult time comprehending. Cleary's translation offers a rare but well written method for you to approach this paradox. His prologue is a must read for all. The Art of War in itself is very difficult to comprehend. Written in practical verses that seem applicable in everyday life, they are actually profound concepts with multiple meanings. I've owned and looked at several translations but I have to say this is one of the best. This book will provide you with the prologue to get you started to digest the dyspeptic Chinese bible of war, and the lucid translations of the verses thereafter will need time to assemble correctly in your head. I want to strongly advise you not to get discouraged because, afterall, the Art of War is very short compared to The Book of Five Rings or On War by Carl von Clausewitz. Once you get past the seemingly endless contrarian advice, you'll understand why this is still the most widely recognized book in Asia on how to deal with conflict and confrontation.